In March 2020, Australians had no idea that they were about to face years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the same time, two campers headed into the Victorian High Country.
Russell Hill, 74, and Carol Clay, 73, disappeared on that camping trip in the Wonnangatta Valley.
They would never return home to their families.
That was nearly four years ago.
Two people reported missing.
It sparked one of the most perplexing missing persons cases in the country’s history.
The police investigation ran for more than 18 months.
It wasn’t until November 2021 that police made an arrest.
Former Jetstar pilot, Gregory Lynn, was charged with two counts of murder.
He’s always denied the charges against him.
Lynn, from Caroline Springs in Melbourne’s north-west, has been behind bars on remand since his arrest, waiting to contest the charges.
After being committed to stand trial in January 2023 he indicated he would plead not guilty.
Now he’s about to stand trial in Victoria’s Supreme Court.
A new podcast from 9News, The Age and 9Podcasts will follow the court case as it unfolds.
It’s written, researched and presented by me – Penelope Liersch, a reporter with 9News – and Erin Pearson, crime and justice reporter with The Age.
Erin has followed this case from the beginning and will be in court each day, bringing listeners along with her.
In weekly episodes we’ll report on the testimony and arguments from both the prosecution and the defence as they’re presented to the jury – the only people who can deliver a final verdict.Â
In the words of prominent Melbourne media lawyer Justin Quill, a criminal trial is often one of the final steps in a long court process.
“It’s the finale. It’s the grand final if you like, the Super Bowl of the judicial process.”
Quilly has worked in the legal system for more than 25 years.
In today’s episode, he shares his experience, taking listeners inside the system.
You can listen to that episode by pressing play below.Â
The Missing Campers Trial launches today.
Search for The Missing Campers Trial in your podcast app and press the follow button to get every new episode for free or tap here
