Court hears new details of Russell Hill and Carol Clay’s alleged murder

The man accused of allegedly murdering Carol Clay and Russell Hill has fronted court once again for a committal hearing in which new details regarding the couple’s fate came to light.

Greg Lynn, 56, appeared before the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on Monday, January 16 where he indicated his intention to plead not guilty to the charges laid against him.

Lynn was arrested in relation to the camper’s disappearance on November 21, 2021 and was later charged with two counts of murder after he was questioned for several days by police.

Hill and Clay were last heard from on March 20, 2020 when they were camping in the Wonnangatta Valley. The couple’s campsite was discovered by campers on March 21 allegedly destroyed by fire near Dry River Creek Track, Hill’s vehicle was found with signs of minor fire damage.

Police located the remains of the pair in Victoria’s bushland in November 2021 after an extensive search.

Following forensic testing, Victoria Police later confirmed the remains belonged to the missing campers.

“Victoria Police can confirm that forensic testing on human remains located near Dargo in November 2021 has now been completed,” a police statement revealed at the time.

“The Coroner has advised Victoria Police that the remains are that of Russell Hill and Carol Clay.”

During Monday’s hearing Victoria Police forensic officer Mark Gellatly was questioned regarding the possibility that Clay may have been allegedly struck following an accidental gun shot as Hill and Lynn allegedly fought.

“The two were wrestling over the gun causing an accidental discharge, or causing discharge, which struck Ms Clay in the head while positioned on the (passenger) side of Mr Hill’s vehicle,” Lynn’s barrister Dermot Dann queried.

“That’s right. It’s a possible explanation at this point,” Gellatly replied.

Gellatly told the court that as part of the investigation he examined several vehicles, including a white LandCruiser ute.

“One possible bloodstain was located on an armrest,” he told the court,

Gellatly explained that further testing was unable to confirm the substance was blood.

During a previous hearing in 2022, the court was told that the prosecution will present phone records, transcripts from an “ongoing” interview, and digital surveillance material during the current hearing.

It was also revealed that a number of witnesses will be called to provide evidence during the hearing, including ballistics expert Paul Griffiths.

The court was told that Griffiths’ evidence was crucial to the case, particularly in regard to expert insight on “bullet trajectory”.

“Mr Griffiths is an important witness dealing with the bullet trajectory and so forth,” Dann told the court as per The Daily Mail.

The hearing remains ongoing.