Accused killer of Samantha Murphy back behind bars after he was dramatically rushed to hospital

By AIDAN WONDRACZ, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR, AUSTRALIA Published: 12:42, 16 August 2026 | Updated: 12:42, 16 August 2026 A man accused of killing Samantha Murphy is back behind bars after he reportedly attempted to take his own life.  Patrick Orren Stephenson, 24, is understood to have undertaken the act at Melbourne Assessment Prison on Friday, August 14.  When staff found him, he was transported to hospital for medical assessment.  A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson confirmed he was taken back to the jail late that evening.  Stephenson has been accused of killing Ms Murphy after she disappeared while on a run near her Ballarat home, in Victoria, on February 4, 2024. Her family reported the 51-year-old missing later that day after she failed to show up to a brunch. Stephenson was charged one month after Ms Murphy vanished. He has pleaded not guilty to murder and awaits trial. The 24-year-old is the son of former AFL player Orren Stephenson.  Patrick Orren Stephenson, 24, reportedly attempted to take his life at Melbourne Assessment Prison Stephenson has been accused of killing Ms Murphy after she disappeared while on a run near her Ballarat home, in Victoria, in February 2024 Extensive searches have taken place with particular focus on the Enfield State Park, Canadian Forest and Buninyong Bushland Reserve. Her credit cards, licence and iPhone were located in mud at the bottom of a dam in Buninyong in May 2024. Her disappearance led to an outpouring of grief in the Ballarat community and the nation, with an influx of volunteers joining the searches. Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan said in 2025 police had worked tirelessly to find her remains. 'While nothing can erase their grief and loss, being able to return Samantha to her family has always been incredibly important to us,' he said. 'I want to reaffirm to the community that the Missing Persons Squad remains committed to doing everything we can to locate Samantha ... we still believe we can locate her. 'This year we will continue to conduct searches in the Ballarat area, including searches in areas highlighted by intelligence derived from a number of sources.' Extensive searches for Ms Murphy's remains have taken place with particular focus on the Enfield State Park, Canadian Forest and Buninyong Bushland Reserve Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.