Fresh clues in missing camper search
An “older couple” matching the description of missing pair Carol Clay and Russell Hunt were sighted by fellow campers two days after they last made radio contact.
VIC News
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Fresh sightings in the High Country two days after the last confirmed radio contact from Russell Hill and Carol Clay are under police investigation.
In the latest development in the intriguing disappearance of the friends, police have released details of three incidents in which “older” people were seen on March 22.
Mr Hill, 74, last made contact via his radio on the evening of March 20 from their campsite at Dry River Creek Track in the Wonnangatta Valley, north of Billabong.
Police are trying to work out whether or not they are linked to sightings of:
A WOMAN at Black Snake Creek who was waiting for other campers to finish using a long-drop toilet.
AN “OLDER” couple driving from Black Snake Creek Hut in which the woman was wearing lipstick and appeared out of place.
A COUPLE near the Eaglevale River crossing and campsite.
The people seen on those occasions are not yet accounted for.
The disappearance of Mr Hill, of Drouin, and Ms Clay, 73, of Pakenham, is the subject of a major missing persons squad inquiry.
Detectives have been able to confirm Mr Hill was camping alone in the area of the King Billy and Bluff Track between March 11 and 13.
He was in his white Toyota LandCruiser and had his DJI Mavic drone with him on that trip.
Police want to speak to anyone in the area at the time, regardless of whether they saw or heard anything.
“This is so police can eliminate people and vehicles from their extensive investigation,” a spokeswoman said.
Investigators are also looking for people who were in the Howitt Plains or Zeka Spur Track areas on March 19 or 20 and at Wonnangatta Valley and Wonnangatta Station between March 20 and 24.
Police believe the pair left home on March 19 and travelled in the LandCruiser through Heyfield and Licola, en route to Wonnangatta.
On March 21, campers found Mr Hill’s vehicle with minor fire damage at their campsite.
The blaze had destroyed a tent and some camp furniture but an examination into its cause by arson chemists has been inconclusive.
Detectives want to hear from anyone who saw the fire, its smoke or who smelt burning plastic in the area on March 20 or 21 to come forward.
Anyone with any other information regarding their disappearance or who has any CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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