Courts and justice reporter Nino Bucci discusses the trial of Gregory Stuart Lynn for the alleged double murders of missing campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay. Topics include the victims' intertwined relationship, defendant's defense of a tragic accident, and details of ongoing trial proceedings and upcoming witnesses.
The defense claims the deaths were a tragic accident during a struggle for control over a gun and a knife.
The prosecution alleges Lynn killed the couple with murderous intent after a dispute related to Hill's drone.
Deep dives
The Disappearance of Russell Hill and Carol Clay
Russell Hill and Carol Clay, both in their 70s, went missing after a camping trip in the remote Victorian high country in 2020. They were childhood friends who rekindled their relationship in their 60s. Hill was an outdoors person who knew the area well, while Clay enjoyed camping but was less of an outdoors enthusiast. Their final conversation with friends seemed normal before their disappearance.
Gregory Stuart Lynn's Alleged Involvement
Gregory Stuart Lynn, a 55-year-old former Jetstar pilot, is being tried for the alleged murder of Russell Hill and Carol Clay. Lynn's defense claims the deaths were a result of a tragic accident during a struggle for control over a gun and a knife. Lynn's lawyer described a chaotic scene unfolding after an argument related to deer hunting and a drone. The defense portrays Lynn as trying to make the situation safe after the deaths occurred.
Prosecution's Allegations and Post-Murder Actions
The prosecution alleges that there was a dispute possibly related to Hill's drone that led to Lynn killing the couple with murderous intent. After the alleged murders, Lynn burnt the couple's tent and belongings, removed their bodies, and disposed of them before returning to Melbourne. He revisited the bodies to ensure they remained concealed, ultimately setting fire to them to hide the evidence.
In March 2020 Russell Hill and Carol Clay, both in their 70s, went missing while camping in Victoria’s alpine region. Gregory Stuart Lynn has pleaded not guilty to the alleged double murder of the couple in Victoria’s supreme court. Courts and justice reporter Nino Bucci tells Nour Haydar about the trial’s latest developments You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport
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