Police launch new search for Samantha Murphy's body in Ballarat ...
Police have launched another search in the Ballarat area as part of their investigation into the disappearance and alleged murder of Samantha Murphy.
Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad alongside specialist interstate and federal police are involved in the operation, which comes seven months after the 51-year-old was last seen alive on February 4.
Patrick Stephenson, 22, was charged with the murder of the missing mother-of-three in March but her body is yet to be found.
The last significant breakthrough in the search came in May when Murphy's mobile phone was located on the edge of a dam on farmland near Ballarat.
On May 29, detectives performed a "targeted search" south of Buninyong, about five kilometres south of where Murphy's phone last pinged to a mobile phone tower.
That day, police were seen combing the side of a dirt road for any pieces of evidence.
Police later said they located items of interest, including an iPhone, which was sent for forensic testing.
The next day, it was confirmed to be Murphy's phone.
Her husband Mick Murphy was called after police made the discovery. He told 9News he immediately knew it was hers.
It was hoped data from the device could lead them to Samantha's body.
The case will return to Ballarat Magistrates Court in November.
Murphy's family has been advised of the latest search, which will resume tomorrow.
Police have asked members of the public to not attend the search area.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
