How police cracked missing campers case
A remote crime scene and little forensic evidence meant the case could easily have gone unsolved – but these dedicated detectives wouldn’t let that happen.
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A remote crime scene, little forensic evidence and no witnesses meant it was a case that could have easily turned cold.
But this week, senior police hailed the efforts of a team of investigators who have taken major strides towards solving one of Australia’s most high-profile murder cases.
Missing persons squad detectives made key breakthroughs in the alleged murders of campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay in the past fortnight, laying charges against Jetstar pilot Gregory Lynn as well as finding the victims’ suspected remains in Victoria’s high country.
Investigators this week did not want to comment on the case because there is still a long way to go and the job won’t be done until a conviction is secured.
But the charging of the man they believe is responsible and the returning of Mr Hill and Mrs Clay’s remains to their families are significant landmarks.
The results come after an arduous 20-month investigation led by Detective acting Sergeant Brett Florence, who was assigned the case last year.
The highly unusual job featured a missing elderly pair who were in a secret relationship, their burnt out campsite and a missing drone.
While it was possible the elderly campers had gotten lost in the bush, a lot didn’t add up.
Mr Hill was an experienced bushman who knew the Wonnangatta region well while Mrs Clay was a highly respected member of the Country Women’s Association.
The investigation was challenging from the start due to a combination of factors including the High Country’s isolation and the lack of forensic evidence.
The case did not attract much initial media coverage as the pandemic was prioritised in bulletins and relatives of the pair were hesitant to publicly speak due to the delicate nature of the campers’ relationship.
Meanwhile the missing persons squad has been investigating other major cases.
Since the campers went missing, they have laid charges over the murders of Moe man Jarrod Lovison, young Epping mum Kelly Zhang, Brunswick woman Maryam Hamka, Kobie Parfitt of Ballarat and Gippsland man Dalibor Pantic.
They recovered the body of Ms Zhang from a rubbish tip months after she vanished and found Ms Parfitt’s remains in a mine shaft at Snake Valley late last year.
The squad has also been investigating the suspected murder of missing Adelaide Hells Angels associate Kerry Giakoumis, who disappeared on a trip to Melbourne last year.
In the Hill-Clay case, there was the additional pressure of an ever-growing level of public interest in what had happened to the campers.
Acting Sgt Florence comes from a family of police officers and is no stranger to playing the long game.
He was awarded the 3AW police officer of the year in 2020 after he helped reunite a woman with a beloved 1973 Holden Torana, almost three decades after it was stolen.
His seven-year investigation uncovered a complex criminal rebirthing syndicate that helped return a striking bright pink muscle car to the victim.
Prior to the campers he had worked on other high profile cases including the murders of Avondale Heights mum Karen Ristevski and Lakes Entrance man Bradley Lyons.
Acting Sgt Florence worked alongside missing persons squad head Inspector Andrew Stamper, who was the public face for much of the campers investigation.
He is an experienced Detective who has been part of major gangland inquiries and the infamous Matthew Wales-King.
Insp. Stamper believes in a long-term strategy and patience and has previously stated publicly that the case was like a jigsaw puzzle without the box lid.
He has also emphasised the principle of teamwork, throughout the inquiry pointing to the crucial assistance of the search and rescue squad, the dog squad, air wing, NSW police and the Australian Federal Police.
Another key player was another long-serving Detective, Senior Constable Daniel Passingham, who was seen toiling away at the dig site this week.
The squad worked alongside archaeological and anthropological experts from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine as they methodically sifted earth to uncover bone fragments as well as a ring and set of dentures.
The officers did not want to talk up their work but others did.
Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill said it had been a protracted and incredibly complex investigation.
“The dedication and commitment of the missing persons squad is to be admired – an example of exemplary investigative practice.”
Mr Hill said he was grateful for the support of other specialist Victoria Police units and external agencies.
Deputy Commissioner Ross Guenther said: “Crime Command investigators have delivered some outstanding results in recent history – a credit to the professionalism of our people.”
Mrs Clay’s sister Jill Walker last week commended the investigation.
“They were looking for a needle in a haystack,” she said.
“There was just nothing. Whoever did this was very good at covering their tracks.
“We were feeling out in the wilderness but knew they were working away, bringing in expertise where it was needed.”
Mr Hill’s wife Robyn said it was crucial Russell’s remains were located in order for her to move on.
“I just want them found, that’s all we want,” Mrs Hill said.
“The rest will follow. We need closure.”
Families will plan funerals for the pair in coming weeks after DNA testing is completed and the coroner releases the remains.
The resolution to the high country mystery, although tragic, is important for the force after a tough year.
Officers across the state have been required to enforce pandemic-related orders with many ugly arrests and confrontations making headlines.
Police will continue to work the case with key lines of inquiry including results from forensic testing of a Nissan Patrol vehicle that was seized last week.
They will also investigate any leads after a public appeal to find a trailer sold on Gumtree between March and July last year, believed to have been used to transport the bodies of the campers from Wonnangatta to their burial ground.
Investigators continue to hunt for Mr Hill’s drone.
The Union Spur Track north of Dargo was reopened on Thursday as police finished processing the crime scene.
It is a place they hope to bring the campers’ loved ones to in the near future.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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