Lynn claimed he was in possession of a gun that belonged to Mr. Hill and was planning to take it to the police when a struggle ensued near the front of Mr. Hill’s car. Lynn claims that during the altercation, a shot was fired, striking and killing his friend Clay. Defence barristers arrived at court to address Lynn’s account of the events that followed, including his claim that he was forced to defend himself against Mr. Hill who approached him with a knife, claiming that Clay was dead. A struggle over the knife resulted in Mr. Hill being stabbed in the chest. Lynn then made a series of choices out of fear for his own life, including burning the crime scene and hiding the bodies in a remote location.
Lynn later returned to the burial site to burn the bodies, describing the process as difficult and unpleasant. Defence barrister Dann emphasized that this case should be seen as a tragic accident rather than intentional murder, asserting that Lynn’s actions were a result of circumstances beyond his control. The prosecution was challenged to dispute Lynn’s account and reminded the jury that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Earlier evidence revealed that Hill and Clay had gone camping together, and prosecutors believe that Lynn intentionally killed them, possibly due to a dispute over Hill’s drone. The court was informed that Hill had been Clay’s first boyfriend and that they had rekindled their relationship in 2006. Clay was involved in community organizations, while Hill was an avid camper and radio enthusiast.
Despite uncertainties surrounding the motivation behind the killings, prosecutors allege that Lynn deliberately and violently killed Hill and Clay with malicious intent, possibly following a disagreement over the possession of a drone. It was suggested that Hill died first, contrary to Lynn’s account, before Clay was shot in the head near their vehicle. Lynn failed to report the deaths or contact the police and made efforts to alter his appearance and dispose of evidence, leading to suspicions that he was involved in the deaths. Police investigations revealed blood splatters and human remains at the crime scene, further incriminating Lynn. Forensic examinations confirmed the presence of bone fragments and a metal projectile, likely from a shotgun, at the scene of the crime, as well as burnt human remains hidden within a fallen tree at Union Spur Track.
The prosecution presented evidence of over 2100 pieces of burnt and highly fragmented bones, including personal items belonging to Clay, found at the burial site. The bone fragments suggested they belonged to at least two adult individuals and showed signs of decomposition prior to being moved, burnt, and concealed. As the trial continues, the details of the case will be followed closely by a new podcast from 9News, The Age, and 9Podcasts, presenting real-time coverage of the court proceedings. The Missing Campers Trial podcast, hosted by Nine reporter Penelope Liersch and Age reporter Erin Pearson, will provide insights into the ongoing legal battle and the unfolding events in the courtroom.