Families of murdered campers finally break silence after Greg Lynn verdict
The families of Russell Hill and Carol Clay have issued an emotional statement following the shocking verdict in the murder trial against former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn.
On Tuesday, the jury found Lynn guilty of murdering Carol Clay in March 2020, but was found innocent on charges of murdering Russell Hill.
The jury came to their shocking split decision after seven days of deliberation following the five-week trial.
After the jury made their decision, the families of the two late campers issued an emotional statement.
“Russell Hill and Carol Clay’s families are both relieved and devastated at the verdicts in the trial of Gregory Lynn,” a joint statement from the pair’s loved ones said.
“We thank the jury for their verdict of guilty in the murder of Carol Clay. It was an extremely difficult task given that the accused destroyed so much evidence."
“The verdict of not guilty in relation to the murder Russell Hill is devastating. There was not enough evidence to be sure of how he died.”
The families said they understood the prosecution had an “enormous job putting a case together with limited evidence”.
“The accused was the only person who saw and experienced what happened,” loved one said.
“He was also the only person who emerged alive.”
The statement thanked Victoria Police and its missing persons squad for their hard work in the case, volunteers who spent weeks searching for their loved ones, and Hill and Clay’s friends and family for their “support throughout this harrowing experience”.
“We are heartbroken at the loss of our loved ones. It will take time to absorb the verdicts, put this behind us and set about healing and getting on with our lives,” the family said.
Victoria police assistant commissioner Martin O’Brien said the Hill and Clay families had endured a difficult four years.
“Their courage and resilience in the face of their grief, amidst enormous public attention, has been nothing short of extraordinary,” O’Brien said.
“We will continue to support them in every way possible following this decision.”
Throughout the trial, Lynn maintained his innocence, saying he did not kill the two campers, but admitted to destroying their bodies and the crime scene.
However, both prosecutors said he killed both of the campers intentionally and then tried to cover up his crimes.
Following the jury's verdict on Tuesday, Lynn was taken back to prison where he awaits his sentence.
Image credits: Victoria Police