Jury presented with evidence of missing hikers' bones

Remains of missing couple found in bushland after over 18 months, jury informed.

May 23rd 2024.

Jury presented with evidence of missing hikers' bones
During the trial, the jury was informed that bone fragments belonging to Russell Hill and Carol Clay were found in a remote bushland, more than 18 months after their disappearance. The Supreme Court in Melbourne was shown dozens of photos of the bones, teeth, and watch parts that were uncovered by detectives.

The accused, 57-year-old airline pilot Greg Lynn, is on trial for the double murder of Hill and Clay. It is alleged that in March 2020, while the couple was camping in Victoria's Wonnangatta Valley, Lynn killed them and burned their remains in the bush. Lynn has pleaded not guilty to both counts of murder.

Forensic officer George Xydias testified that he and his team searched the area near the Union Spur Track, east of Wonnangatta, in November 2021. After carrying out line searches, they eventually used heavy machinery to excavate a section of the land that had been damaged by fire. During this process, they discovered bone fragments, three teeth, and parts of a wristwatch.

Xydias explained to the jury that a fire had been deliberately lit on the cleared section of land, and the bones and other burnt items had been thrown into an open tree trunk. In addition to the Union Spur Track, bones belonging to Hill were also found at Bucks Camp, where the murders allegedly took place.

Dadna Hartman, a forensic expert from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, confirmed that the bone fragments found at Union Spur Track belonged to Hill. She also carried out testing on the bone fragments found at Bucks Camp, which were confirmed to belong to Clay.

It is alleged that on March 20, Hill and Clay died after an argument between Lynn and Hill at Bucks Camp. According to Lynn's defense barrister, Hill had threatened to report Lynn to the police for deer hunting near the camp. A scuffle broke out when Hill took a gun from Lynn's vehicle, and Clay was accidentally shot by Hill. In the process of defending himself, Lynn accidentally stabbed Hill in the chest with a knife.

However, prosecutors argue that Lynn intentionally killed Hill and Clay. They allege that after the murders, Lynn burned the couple's campsite, put their bodies in his trailer, and dumped them. The trial is ongoing, and the jury will ultimately decide the fate of Lynn.

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