Why it took months to identify missing campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay

A forensics expert has revealed why it took over two months for authorities to identify the bodies of missing campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay.  

A forensics expert has revealed why it took over two months for authorities to identify the bodies of missing campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay.

A statement from Victoria Police confirmed the human remains found in Dargo, a town in the Gippsland region, belonged to the missing campers.

While their bodies were found on November 30 in the Grants historic area, the forensic testing took several months to complete.

The couple had been missing since March 2020.

Speaking on the Today Show, director of the GKA Investigations Group Greg Kelly said it is not unusual for the identification process to be held up.

“It is common with what we expect particularly with the allegations and the concerns involved. The people had been missing for a lengthy period of time,” he said.

“You go from pathology through the different areas of science and individual disciplines and the forensic examiners would have had to record at the scene and identify what laboratories needed to be used.

“Then of course the timing in regard to what exhibits and what order they could be examined in order to obtain the best evidence that’s available to then.”

Mr Kelly admitted timing was important in ensuring the evidence didn’t erode beyond the point of recognition.

“There could be different disciplines involved. You have to choose the best one where you might be destroying the exhibit as you check it.”

It’s believed the Victorian campers were conducting a secret affair at the time of their disappearance and alleged murder. Picture: Supplied.

“Victoria Police can confirm that forensic testing on human remains located near Dargo in November 2021 has now been completed,” the statement from police, on Monday, read.

“The Coroner has advised Victoria Police that the remains are that of Russell Hill and Carol Clay. As the matter is before the court, we will not be providing any further comment.”

It’s believed Mr Hill and Ms Clay were camping in the Wonnangatta Valley, in the Victorian Alps, when they disappeared.

Police allege the remains were buried in a shallow grave under a root-ball hole – a pit caused by a large tree falling over. While police weren’t able to confirm the identity of the campers when they were discovered, they uncovered the bone fragment, a ring and a set of dentures at the same location suggesting the remains belonged to the pair.

In December 2021, former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn was charged with two counts of murder over the alleged killings of Mr Hill, 74, and Ms Clay, 73, on March 20, 2020.

Originally published as Why it took months to identify missing campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay