Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
National
Emily Woods

Lynn jury deliberates after queries on murder verdicts

The jury in Greg Lynn's trial asked the judge what happens if they cannot reach a unanimous verdict. (Paul Tyquin/AAP PHOTOS)

Jurors tasked with deciding whether Greg Lynn killed two campers have asked what happens if they cannot reach a unanimous verdict.

The 57-year-old pilot has been waiting more than five days for jurors to decide his fate, after a five-week trial in Melbourne's Supreme Court.

He has pleaded not guilty to two charges of murder over the March 2020 deaths of Russell Hill and Carol Clay while camping in Victoria's alpine region.

Carol Clay and Russell Hill
Greg Lynn has pleaded not guilty to murder charges over the deaths of Carol Clay and Russell Hill. (HANDOUT/VICTORIA POLICE)

Lynn told the jury the two deaths were accidental and occurred after he struggled with a gun and then a knife with Mr Hill.

He claims Mrs Clay died when a shotgun discharged and went into her head during the first struggle, and that Mr Hill died when he came at Lynn with a knife and was stabbed in the chest.

The jury of 12 began deliberating on June 17 and returned to the court on Monday morning with several questions.

Justice Michael Croucher read out the jury's note to the court, which asked whether Lynn must be found guilty of both charges of murder or not guilty of both charges.

He said that was not correct, explaining it was open to them to find him guilty of one murder and not guilty in the other death.

"You must consider each charge separately," Justice Croucher said.

The judge reiterated that the jurors must be satisfied the prosecution had proven four elements of murder beyond a reasonable doubt to find him guilty.

The second part of their question was to ask Justice Croucher to repeat what happens if they are unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

"All 12 of you must agree on that verdict," he said.

For an accused person to be found guilty or not guilty of murder, the verdict must be unanimous which means that every juror agrees.

If not, it can result in a hung jury and a fresh trial could be ordered.

Justice Croucher sent the jury away to continue their deliberations and reminded them if they had any further questions "please don't hesitate to ask".

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.