Former Jetstar Pilot Found Guilty of Victorian Camper’s Murder, Acquitted in Second Death

Former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn has been convicted of murdering camper Carol Clay but acquitted of the murder of fellow camper Russell Hill after a lengthy trial in Victoria‘s Supreme Court.

The disappearance of Carol Clay and Russell Hill during a camping trip in the Wonnangatta Valley near Melbourne in March 2020 sparked widespread media attention.

Lynn, despite pleading not guilty, admitted to tampering with evidence and disposing of the victims’ remains during the five-week trial.

The courtroom was packed with spectators throughout the trial, with both Carol Clay and Russell Hill’s families present during the verdict.

Carol Clay, a former president of the Victorian Country Women’s Association, and Russell Hill, a retired logger and radio enthusiast, had been childhood sweethearts with a hidden affair.

Lynn’s defense put forth a narrative of accidental killings, with a tragic outcome resulting from a struggle between Lynn, Hill, and a shotgun.

Lynn confessed during the trial to setting fire to the campsite and concealing the bodies out of fear for his career and family.

The defense argued that Lynn’s actions were a result of fear and not premeditated murder.

Prosecutors, however, maintained their stance that Lynn’s calculated conduct pointed to a deliberate act of murder.

Despite the verdict, Lynn maintained his innocence of murder but expressed regret for his actions during the trial.

As the case moves into the sentencing phase, the families of the victims are still coping with the aftermath of the tragic events.

Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien commended the families for their resilience and stated that support would continue in light of the recent verdict.

The trial highlighted the complexities of the case and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in investigating remote crimes.