Greg Lynn verdict: The mystery of Button Man in the disappearance of Carol Clay and Russell Hill
One of Australia’s most intriguing murder mysteries is finally over after Gregory Lynn was found guilty of the murder of Carol Clay, but not guilty of the murder of her secret lover Russell Hill.
The mixed verdict, handed down by Victoria’s Supreme Court on Tuesday afternoon, ended a case that had gripped Australia for the past four years.
Ms Clay, 73, and Mr Hill, 74, went missing on March 20, 2020 in the Wonnangatta Valley, in the Alpine region of Victoria.
Their disappearance initially confused authorities, with many assuming the secret lovers had eloped together.
But as suspicions grew about their fate, detectives were inundated with tips about a supposedly sinister and mysterious local figure known as the ‘Button Man’ who was roaming the Highlands.
As of July 2020, police had received 159 information reports from the public regarding the ‘strange loner’
It is believed that he earned his nickname because of his hobby of using deer antlers to make buttons that he then sold at local markets.
Locals claimed that the Button Man had a terrifying reputation and was known for his bizarre and often creepy behavior.
Secret lovers Carol Clay, 73, (left) and Russell Hill, 74 (right) went missing in the Wonnangatta Valley, Alpine region of Victoria, on March 20, 2020
Former Jetstar pilot Gregory Lynn (pictured) was found guilty of the murder of Ms Clay, but not guilty of the murder of Mr Hill
He reportedly hunted deer with handmade spears and was known to camp for weeks in the remote bush near a weather station called ‘The Crossroads’.
The man, described as being in his 70s and very fit, is also believed to have scared other campers.
One bushman said the Button Man had a “thousand-yard stare that would make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.”
It is said that he once walked into a camp where three ex-soldiers lived and asked what they did for a living.
One said “we hunt people,” to which the Button Man allegedly replied, “Me too,” thus The age.
In another terrifying story, a wildlife photographer claimed to have stayed in the area around the Button Man camp to take photos.
As suspicions about their fate mounted, detectives were inundated with tips about a supposedly sinister and mysterious local figure known as the ‘Button Man’ who was roaming the High Country (pictured)
Carol Clay and Russell Hill went missing in the Wonnangatta Valley, more than 200km northeast of Melbourne
Police suspect that a number of items have been taken from the campsite (photo), including a drone that is now missing
When he got home to download photos from his camera, he found an unexplained photo of himself sleeping – with no idea who took it or when.
The Button Man is also known to build pyramids from rocks along the road, piling pebbles to indicate when a car has passed.
Just months after Ms Clay and Mr Hill disappeared, the Button Man was visited by missing persons investigators after police were inundated with ‘constant’ tips.
As of July 2020, police had received 159 information reports from the public about him.
Another 50 reports were still pending.
“We had numerous IRs (information reports) that nominated (the Button Man) as a person of interest,” Senior Constable Justin told a pre-trial hearing, reported The age.
“We had people, civilians or police officers who reported strange or strange encounters with this person.
‘He often came into the area. Some people said we should probably talk to him.”
One person reportedly said that the Button Man could “see through you and lie, big bushman and easily dispose of a body too.”
Ultimately, phone records eliminated the Button Man from the police investigation.
Detectives later closed in on Lynn after his dark-colored Nissan Patrol was captured on camera leaving the valley following the alleged murders.
The jury had been deliberating on the murder charge against Lynn since June 14.
The verdict came a day after the jury returned to court to ask Judge Michael Croucher whether both verdicts should be the same.
The jury heard that the prosecution could not provide a motive for the way they alleged Lynn killed Mr Hill.
The jury of 12 unanimously found that Lynn murdered Mrs Clay in cold blood before attempting to cover his tracks by burning and destroying the evidence.
As the sentences were handed down, sobs could be heard in the courtroom.
Wearing a black suit and blue shirt, Lynn showed little emotion as the verdicts were handed down.
He will return to court for a pre-sentence hearing at a date to be determined.