Lynn has pleaded not guilty to murdering Hill and Clay at Bucks Camp in the remote Wonnangatta Valley on March 20, 2020.
During the trial, the court heard from 49 witnesses including Lynn, 57, who was the only witness called by the defence.
Russell Hill’s Toyota LandCruiser and the burnt site at Bucks Camp.Credit: Victoria Police
The prosecution told the jury during their final address that they could reject Lynn’s version of events – that both Hill and Clay died accidental deaths – and find he did murder both retirees.
The defence team argued Lynn is innocent.
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Lynn said he and Hill were in a struggle for control of the shotgun when it accidentally fired, hitting Clay in the head.
Lynn told police that Hill was then killed when the older man came at him and then fell on his own kitchen knife during a tussle.
As the jury prepared to commence their deliberations, Croucher told them there would be no alternate charge of manslaughter available to them.
The judge said if the group were not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt of murder, the jury would also not be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt of manslaughter.
Any verdict must also be unanimous.
He also reminded the group they must not let feelings or moral judgments get in the way of their task.
“Your function and duty is to use your heads, and not your hearts,” Croucher said.
The jury will recommence their deliberations on Monday.
A new podcast from 9News, The Age and 9Podcasts follows the court case as it unfolds. The Missing Campers Trial is the first podcast to follow a jury trial in real time in Victoria. It’s presented by Nine reporter Penelope Liersch and Age reporter Erin Pearson.
Read the full article here
