Man accused of murdering Samantha Murphy is rushed to hospital after attempting to take his own life while awaiting trial

By AIDAN WONDRACZ, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR, AUSTRALIA Published: 10:13, 14 August 2026 | Updated: 10:19, 14 August 2026 A man accused of killing Samantha Murphy has been hospitalised after reportedly attempting to take his own life. Patrick Orren Stephenson, 24, is understood to have undertaken the act at Melbourne Assessment Prison. A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesman confirmed a prisoner was transported to hospital for medical assessment on Friday. Stephenson has been accused of killing Ms Murphy after she disappeared while on a run near her Ballarat home, in Victoria, in February 2024. He was charged one month after Ms Murphy vanished.  Stephenson has pleaded not guilty to murder and awaits trial. Ms Murphy's body has never been found and extensive searches for her remains have taken place with 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. 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 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.