The heartbroken family of a mother-of-three have spoken of their ‘unimaginable’ loss after two more men were arrested as part of a murder investigation.
Samantha Murphy, 32, was found at a house in Portsmouth on Thursday, June 5, at around at 7.37am with police treating her death as murder.
A total of four men have been arrested in connection with her death as police continue to investigate.
After finding her body, police appealed for help to locate a gold suitcase which they said they were ‘keen to locate’ and ‘may assist with the investigation’.
It has now been confirmed by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary that the suitcase has been found.
A 30-year-old man from Southsea has been arrested on suspicion of murder and a 41-year-old man from Portsmouth has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Two other men, a 32-year-old from Petersfield and a 32-year-old from Havant, who were previously arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on conditional bail until September 5.
In a tribute released through Hampshire Constabulary, Ms Murphy’s family described her as a ‘bright, smiling soul’ who ‘radiated joy to everyone she met’.
Samantha Murphy, 32, was found at a house in Portsmouth on Thursday, June 5, at around at 7.37am with police treating her death as murder
The tribute, made by Ms Murphy’s sister on behalf of her family and friends, read: ‘She was a devoted mother to her three beautiful children, the bubbly baby sister who brought laughter and light to her siblings, and the fun-loving auntie who adored her nieces and nephews.
‘Sam was the friend everyone went to for advice and a compassionate ear.
‘Our gracious host at Halloween and Christmas, Sam’s home was always filled with warmth and cheer.
‘She was strong-willed and determined, yet her kindness shone through, always quick to see the good in everyone.’
Her family said she ‘loved her music and dancing’ and that she was the ‘life and soul of every party’.
The tribute continued: ‘Her singing voice, especially when she belted out her version of Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black, never failed to draw admiration and applause.
‘That mischievous and cheeky spirit she had as the youngest sister never faded; it was part of her charm, alongside her quirky little laugh, which continued to delight us into adulthood.
‘Her loss has left an immense void.
In a tribute released through Hampshire Constabulary, Ms Murphy’s family described her as a ‘bright, smiling soul’ who ‘radiated joy to everyone she met’
‘For her mother, it’s not just the loss of a daughter, but of a best friend and constant companion.
‘Her brother and sisters, whose bond with Sam was so rare and special, are utterly devastated by this unimaginable absence.
‘We take comfort in knowing Sam would want her family and friends to pull together, ensuring her children are always protected and surrounded with the love she so generously gave.
‘Love from your mum Denise, your three beautiful children, older sisters Louise, Jodie and Kelly, big brother Carl and brother-in-law Ollie, your wonderful friends Marissa, Emma and Charlene, and from your dad Phillip.’
Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Jody Beresford said: ‘We understand that this incident is both shocking and devastating to all those who knew Samantha, and we are working tirelessly to establish the full circumstances.
‘We would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding whilst we have been carrying out inquiries in the area.
‘As part of our inquiries, we appealed for help in locating a gold suitcase.
‘We can confirm this has now been found and we would like to thank everyone who contacted us with information.’
