Tara Murray with Karen Sweeny, AAP
UPDATED:
A Caroline Springs airline pilot charged with murdering Victorian campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay has appeared in a regional Victorian court as the search for their bodies continues.
Greg Lynn, 55, faced Sale Magistrates Court by videolink for a brief filing hearing on Friday morning, a day after being charged over the couple’s disappearance.
Mr Hill and Ms Clay were last heard from while camping in the Victorian Alps on March 20, 2020.
Mr Hill – an experienced outdoorsman – made a call via high-frequency radio saying he was at Wonnangatta Valley.
Court documents shed little light on what is alleged to have occurred, but police accuse Lynn of murdering them at Wonnangatta on March 20.
Lynn did not apply for bail during the short hearing.
Sergeant Marie Fidone requested until April 19, 2022, to build the police brief of evidence against Lynn, who was arrested on Monday night at a remote Gippsland campsite.
His case is due to return to court in Sale for a committal mention on May 31.
Lynn’s lawyer, Chris McLennan, also appearing by videolink, said there were no issues for his client in custody and confirmed there would be no application for bail, despite the lengthy wait until his next hearing.
“The dates are probably elongated because it’s a fairly substantial investigation,” he said.
Wearing a grey jumper and white surgical mask, Lynn appeared by videolink from an interview room at Sale police station, two blocks from the courthouse.
He sat with his hands together on a table in front of him and said nothing during the hearing which ran for just a few minutes.
Lynn’s wife, Melanie Lynn, also appeared on the videolink, with her camera off.
Meanwhile, police and forensic specialists continue to scour Victoria’s Great Alpine region for the remains of Mr Hill and Ms Clay.
A fresh crime scene was established in the region on Thursday.
Police have not revealed exact details of the area they are investigating, saying they are still finalising the search area.
The hearing comes after police spent several days questioning Hill following his arrest on November 22.
He was charged with two counts of murder on Wednesday night. He is due to face court on Thursday morning.
The investigation remains ongoing however police can confirm that at this time, they are not looking for anyone further.
Investigators are also keen to speak to anyone who may have purchased a rusty silver/blue 7×5 trailer with off road wheels between March and July 2020.
The trailer is believed to have been sold on Gumtree.
Anyone with any other information regarding Mr Hill’s and Ms Clay’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
