Campers jury to hear from anthropologist
Written by admin on May 29, 2024
A forensic anthropologist is set to explain to a jury the discovery of more than 2000 bone fragments linked to the disappearance of two elderly campers.
Gregory Stuart Lynn, 57, is facing trial in the Victorian Supreme Court over allegations he murdered Russell Hill, 74, and Carol Clay, 73, while camping in the Wonnangatta Valley in March 2020.
The former airline pilot has pleaded not guilty, arguing the pair both died accidental deaths set in motion after Mr Hill swiped his firearm.
Forensic anthropologist Soren Blau, the jury was told, had prerecorded her evidence earlier this month because she was overseas on secondment to the International Commission on Missing Persons.
On Tuesday, the jury saw the first half-hour of her testimony, where Dr Blau explained that a 20m by 10m search area was set up in bushland off the Union Spur track near Dargo on November 29, 2021.
“This was a systematic and controlled approach so in the event something is found, there is the possibility to accurately record it,” she said.
Previously, the jury heard more than 2000 burnt bone fragments identified as the missing couple were discovered below a felled tree in early December.
Mr Lynn’s barrister Dermot Dann KC said his client had provided an “truthful” account of what happened after his arrest and helped police find the remains.
“As a matter of law, the prosecution will have to disprove his account,” he said.
“Ask yourselves these questions: is any of this evidence going anywhere remotely close to disproving Mr Lynn’s account of two accidental deaths beyond reasonable doubt; or is it in fact the opposite situation, that this evidence that you’re hearing – these experts, are confirming and supporting Mr Lynn’s account.”
Prosecutors allege he killed Mr Hill first by unknown means before shooting Mrs Clay as a witness.
The pilot is arguing both died accidental deaths, with Mrs Clay shot in the head as the two men fought over the shotgun, with Mr Hill falling on a knife after attacking him following the death.
Previously, the jury was told, Mr Lynn did not dispute that he set fire to the campsite and destroyed their bodies fearing he would be “wrongly blamed”.
The trial continues.
