Trial begins for alleged missing camper killer
Written by admin on May 10, 2024
The jury tasked with delivering a verdict in the trial of a murder-accused pilot are set to hear how police allege Russell Hill and Carol Clay were killed — and the defence response to the allegations.
Gregory Stuart Lynn, 57, will return before the Victorian Supreme Court on Friday as prosecutors prepare to deliver their opening remarks.
The father-of-two, a former Jetstar captain, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder relating to the disappearance of Mr Hill, 74, and Ms Clay, 73, more than four years ago.
The pair vanished while camping in the remote Wonnangatta Valley, about five hours northeast of Melbourne in March 2020.
A major search operation began after they were reported missing.
On Thursday, a jury of 14 Victorians was empaneled to hear the case over the next four to six weeks.
Providing a brief summary of the allegations, the presiding judge, Justice Michael Croucher, said it was alleged Mr Lynn was camping at Bucks Camp alongside Mr Hill and Ms Clay on March 20.
“It will be alleged Mr Lynn shot Ms Clay in the head and as a result killed her and that he killed Mr Hill,” he said.
“These events are alleged to have occurred on March 20, 2020.”
On Thursday, Justice Croucher warned jurors there had been “a lot of publicity” since the pair vanished, urging anyone who had any knowledge of the case and felt they could not be impartial to ask to be excused.
“Trial by jury represents an important contribution to our justice system,” he said.
“That system can’t operate unless people are prepared to put their hands up and perform the solemn duty in an impartial way.”
Scheduled to begin at 10.30am on Friday, the jury will hear opening arguments from Crown prosecutor Daniel Porceddu as he sets out the alleged case and the evidence he expects they will hear.
This will be followed by the defence response from Mr Lynn’s barrister, Dermot Dann KC, who will highlight what he believes are the issues in the prosecution case and how the jury should interpret the evidence.
The trial continues.
