Police arrested the Scotsburn man at his home in Ballarat about 6am yesterday.
He has since been charged with one count of murder and will face court this afternoon.
Charges come as ‘relief’ to devastated family
The investigation is continuing and police are yet to recover the 51-year-old’s body.
Samantha’s husband Mick Murphy said he felt “relief” after hearing a man had been charged.
“It hasn’t been a good nearly five weeks. It’s like someone’s just let the pressure valve off,” he said.
Mr Murphy said the past month had been “sh–house” and that he was trying to be brave for his family.
“The adrenaline with everything going on, it’s just, it’s something you wouldn’t want anyone to experience,” he said.
“We’re doing as best as we can, keeping a brave face.
“The community has been unbelievable. The generosity and support has just been overwhelming.”
Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt said the investigation had been “significant”.
“Our thoughts today are with Samantha’s family and friends,” he said.
“I know that Samantha’s disappearance has had a profound impact on the Ballarat community and I want to thank all of those people who have assisted police in many different ways over the past month.”
Family members were seen returning to the home this morning, including Murphy’s husband and her daughter.
Close family friend Paula Heenan told The Age they were informed about the arrest, just like everyone else in the community.
Extensive search sparked
Police later confirmed she was wearing a watch and carrying her phone at the time.
The 51-year-old failed to attend a brunch later that day, sparking a huge police investigation led by the Missing Persons Squad.
Crews have previously been focusing their search efforts near the Canadian State Forest, including the Mount Clear region.
A search zone was also established near the Buninyong Golf Club, close to where Murphy’s phone was last pinged.
Investigators have also reviewed about 12,000 hours of CCTV footage and followed up more than 500 separate pieces of information during the investigation.
”Unfortunately, given the time and the fact we’ve found no trace of her, we have severe concerns, and we are very doubtful she is still alive,” Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt said.
Much-loved member of the community
The 51-year-old was well-known in the community, with the family owning a car repair business and Samantha being heavily involved in the local theatre scene.
Murphy’s husband Michael joined his daughter in appealing for public information earlier last month.
“People just don’t vanish into thin air, someone’s got to know something,” he said.
“Whether it be any little thing that you might think is relevant, just call the police.”
Police said her husband was not a suspect but said everyone known to Murphy was a “person of interest”.
Friends and loved ones of Muprhy have been closely following the case, with many volunteering their own time to search for her.
“We are still encouraging everybody to get out there and just do whatever it is that they can to help bring Sam home,” Ballarat local Cindy Hobbs said.
“She’s part of our community and we don’t want anybody out there alone, especially when there are children looking forward to her being returned safely.”
Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage and is yet to speak to police to come forward.
