The six men and six women began their full day of discussions on Monday following a five-week Supreme Court trial over the alleged murders of campers Russell Hill,74,and Carol Clay,73.
Former Jetstar pilot Gregory Lynn is on trial over the alleged murders of Russell Hill and Carol Clay.Monique Westermann
On Friday,Justice Michael Croucher reminded the jurors of their obligations,which included discussing the case only with each other in the confines of the court. He said any questions that arose should be directed to him.
“Have a good weekend,” he told them.
Earlier in the week,the court reconvened briefly after the jurors asked if they could see a recording of and the evidence of.
Griffiths had brought the alleged murder weapon,a 12-gauge Barathrum Arms shotgun,into the court as part of his evidence.
The Barathrum Arms shotgun.Supplied
The pair’s evidence was provided on Wednesday,so the jurors could watch it in their jury room. It was estimated to run for about five hours.
“It is a matter for you whether you watch all of the evidence,or whether you watch particular parts,” Croucher said.
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-out site at Bucks Camp.Victoria Police
Prosecutors told the jury during their final address it 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 was innocent.
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 killed when the older man came at him and then fell on his own kitchen knife during a tussle.
As the jurors prepared to commence their deliberations,Croucher told them the alternate charge of manslaughter wouldn’t be available to them.
The judge said if the jury was not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt of murder,it would also not be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt of manslaughter.
Any verdict must also be unanimous.
Croucher reminded the jurors 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 deliberations on Monday.
A new podcast from 9News,The Age and 9Podcasts follows the court case as it unfolds. 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.