Victoria Police have confirmed that a personal item belonging to Samantha Murphy has been recovered near a stream during ongoing search operations, marking another significant development in the investigation.
However, authorities say forensic testing indicates the item was last handled by someone other than Samantha, adding a new layer of complexity to the case.
What Police Have Confirmed
In an official statement released moments ago, police said the item was positively linked to Samantha through prior records and personal identifiers. Subsequent forensic examination revealed touch DNA inconsistent with Samantha’s profile.
A police spokesperson said:
“The forensic results indicate the item was last handled by another individual. That individual is known to the investigation and has a documented connection to the family. At this stage, this does not imply wrongdoing.”
Police stressed that the finding should not be interpreted as evidence of criminal involvement by any family member or associate.
Why the Finding Matters
Investigators say personal items can be moved, handled, or transferred for a variety of legitimate reasons, particularly during search efforts or earlier stages of concern when family and community members may have been involved in looking for a missing person.
Forensic experts caution that DNA presence alone does not establish timing, intent, or circumstances, and must be interpreted alongside location data, timelines, and corroborating evidence.
Investigation Remains Active
Authorities confirmed that the area around the stream remains under examination, with specialist teams continuing to analyze environmental and forensic data.
No arrests have been made, and police emphasized that the investigation remains open, with all findings being reviewed collectively rather than in isolation.
“We are following evidence methodically,” the spokesperson said. “We ask the public to avoid speculation, particularly where families are concerned.”
Family Informed
Police confirmed that Samantha Murphy’s family has been fully briefed on the discovery and the forensic findings. Support services remain in place.
What Happens Next
Further forensic testing and timeline reconstruction are underway. Police say any additional updates will be released only when confirmed information is available.
For now, investigators underline one key point:
The discovery advances the investigation — but does not define its conclusions.