Hundreds of friends and strangers have gathered to honor mother Samantha Murphy as investigators continue to search for her body.
The Ballarat community held a vigil to celebrate the mother-of-three’s life at the Eureka Stockade Memorial Garden on Friday evening.
Those who had collected flowers in honor of Mrs Murphy, many of whom did not know the family but felt compelled to pay their respects.
Those who had collected flowers in honor of Mrs Murphy, many of whom did not know the family but felt compelled to pay their respects.
Those present paid their tribute to Samantha Murphy in a memory book
Hundreds gathered to pay tribute to mother-of-two in the days after police announced they had found her killer
Mrs Murphy went missing on February 4
Many of those present did not know the family, but felt compelled to pay their respects
A book was also placed on a table next to two portraits of the 51-year-old so people could share their condolences with the Murphy family.
Those who arrived early took a moment to reflect in silence.
Many hugged each other as the community gathered, with some shedding tears due to the seriousness of the evening.
Organizers planned to provide a space for the community to gather and grieve.
Those present showed their respect by using their torches during a moment of silence.
Community leaders were also seen paying their respects among the crowd, including Ballarat MP Catherine King, Eureka MP Michaela Settle and Wendouree MP Juliana Addison.
The vigil comes as 22-year-old Patrick Orren Stephenson was charged with the 51-year-old’s murder on Thursday.
The vigil comes as 22-year-old Patrick Orren Stephenson was charged with the murder of the 51-year-old
A vigil was held for Samantha Murphy in Ballarat on Friday evening
Mourners lay flowers in memory of the mother of three
A young boy holds his mother as mourners line up to pay tribute to Samantha Murphy in Ballarat Victoria
Ms Murphy disappeared on February 4 after failing to return to her Eureka St home following a morning walk through Woowookarung Regional Park.
Her family alerted authorities after becoming concerned she was missing.
Police allege Ms Murphy was murdered on February 4 by Stephenson, who remains in custody.
Despite extensive searches of the bushland since her disappearance, no trace of her has been found.
Police and volunteers continue the extensive search to bring peace to Mrs Murphy’s family.
The line for the memorial book was long as mourners gathered to pay tribute
Hundreds of friends and family have honored mother Samantha Murphy, who investigators believe was murdered