Trial date set for Patrick Stephenson, accused of killing Samantha Murphy
The Supreme Court has scheduled a trial date and time for the murder charges against Patrick Orren Stephenson, accused of killing Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy.
Mr Stephenson is scheduled to face the Supreme Court on April 8, 2026, charged with murdering Ms Murphy.
The 23-year-old has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Ballarat man was arrested in March after Ms Murphy left her home for a jog on February 4 and was never seen again.
Her body has not been found despite several police and community searches.
On Tuesday, the court was told the trial would take place in Ballarat.
The court heard the trial was expected to last about six weeks.
Pre-trial deadlines were set for the prosecution and defence in the lead-up to next year's scheduled trial date.
The court heard pre-trial arguments would start in November.
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