Gruesome revelation in missing campers case

The remains believed to be that of missing Victorian campers, Russell Hill and Carol Clay, were reportedly set on fire following their alleged murder, The Herald Sun reports.

It’s believed the pair were incinerated in remote bushland in East Gippsland not far from where their remains were discovered by police on November 30. The fire may have been an attempt to destroy the remains.

The latest twist in the ongoing investigation comes after police announced the discovery of human remains in a statement, as authorities commence DNA testing.

“Victoria Police has located human remains in bushland near Dargo as part of their ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Russell Hill and Carol Clay,” the statement read.

“The remains are yet to be formally identified and it is expected this process will take some time.

“As this matter is now before the courts, we will not be facilitating any interviews in relation to the investigation.”

Authorities are performing forensic testing on a Nissan Patrol that was seized by police and are looking for any leads on a trailer believed to be linked to the missing pair that may have been sold on Gumtree.

Russell Hill and Carol 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.

A 55-year-old Caroline Springs man was arrested in relation to the case of missing campers on Monday, November 21 at 5.30pm.

“Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad have arrested a man as part of the investigation into missing campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay,” police said in a statement.

The man was later charged with the alleged murders of missing Victorian campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay. Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad charged the man with two counts of murder after he was questioned for several days by police.