Murder accused in custody until May

The man charged with the murders of missing Drouin man Russell Hill and Pakenham woman Carol Clay has been remanded in custody until May 31.

Greg Lynn, 55 of Caroline Springs man appeared via video link to Sale Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning. He made no application for bail.

The Magistrates’ Court does not have jurisdiction to hear bail applications for murder charges.

After more than 70 hours of questioning, Missing Persons Squad detectives charged Mr Lynn on Thursday night with two counts of murder in relation to the disappearance of the campers from the Wonnangatta Valley in March 2020.

He was arrested with assistance from the Special Operations Group at a campsite at Arbuckle Junction last Monday night.

The investigation remains ongoing however police confirmed they were not looking for anyone further.

On Thursday, police identified a crime scene in the Grant Historic Area near

Dargo. Police began searching the area yesterday.

Investigators also are keen to speak to anyone who may have purchased a rusty silver/blue 7x5 trailer with off road wheels between March and July last year.

The trailer is believed to have been sold on Gumtree.

Police also remain keen to speak to anyone who was in the Wonnangatta area around that time, including campers, 4x4 day trippers, hunters, fishermen or trail bike riders, regardless of whether they saw or heard anything.

Despite a significant number of searches over the past 20 months, Mr Hill and Ms Clay have never been found.

Campers found Mr Hill’s vehicle with signs of minor fire damage at their campsite, which was completely destroyed by fire, near Dry River Creek Track in the Wonnangatta Valley on March 21.

Assistant Commissioner Crime Command Bob Hill said they were hopeful the arrest brought police closer to providing the answers the families have been desperately seeking and deserve.

“Our heartfelt thoughts are with both the Hill and Clay families. The past 20 months have been an incredibly difficult time for them and their grief remains as raw as ever.

“This has been an exhaustive and complex criminal investigation which has attracted significant community interest.

“While we now have the opportunity to put this matter before the criminal courts, our efforts to locate the remains of Russell and Carol will continue.

“The investigative efforts relating to this matter, particularly by the Missing Persons Squad, have been extraordinary.

“The investigation has also been supported by a range of specialist units and local police, as well as several external agencies,” he said.

Anyone with any other information regarding Russell and Carol’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au