The bodies of slain campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay were "obliterated" by fire, according to a forensic expert, leaving their remains in such a poor state that pathologists could not determine how they died.
The campers' bodies were dumped in the remote Union Spur Track by Greg Lynn hours after the former Jetstar pilot was involved in a fight which resulted in the deaths of Mr Hill and Ms Clay on March 20, 2020.
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Mr Lynn, who has pleaded not guilty to murdering the pair, admits hiding their remains and torching them but says both deaths in Victoria's High Country were accidental.
Forensic specialists scoured the Union Spur Track site.
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Supplied: Victorian Supreme Court
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Melanie Archer, a pathologist and entomologist, told the Supreme Court she was tasked with examining "co-mingled human remains" found at Union Spur Track close to two years after the fatal incident.
Dr Archer said more than 2,000 skeletal remains were found at the scene but there was "no soft tissue left to examine".
She said the fragmented skeletons and damage from fire meant pathologists could not determine the cause of death of Mr Hill and Ms Clay.
"You're left as 'undetermined' as your only choice," Dr Archer said.
"That evidence has been obliterated. Whatever has caused their death has been masked by the changes that have been brought about by the burning and the fragmentation."
The court was shown a picture of about two dozen maggot cocoons, which Dr Archer said indicated the insects had infested the decomposing bodies.
"The maggots were able to complete their feeding stage and bury themselves in the soil prior to the burning," she said.
Expert's analysis consistent with Mr Lynn's version of events after deaths
Mr Lynn's legal defence team has told the jury their client was involved in a physical struggle over a shotgun with Mr Hill after a dispute over a drone at Bucks Camp in the Wonnangatta Valley.
They argue Ms Clay was struck in the head when the weapon discharged, and that Mr Hill was killed during a second struggle over a knife.
The court heard the bodies of Carol Clay and Russell Hill were "obliterated" by fire.?
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Supplied: Victoria Police
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However, prosecutors allege Mr Lynn killed the pair "with murderous intent" and say it was likely Mr Hill was the first to die.
Dr Archer said her analysis was consistent with Mr Lynn's explanation of what occurred after the fight ? that he transported the bodies from Bucks Camp to the Union Spur Track, and returned in November 2020 to set them on fire.
Mr Lynn was arrested in November 2021 and told police where the bodies were located.
Prosecutors argue Mr Lynn's attempts to cover up the deaths were "incriminating conduct", but his lawyers say those "terrible choices" do not prove he committed murder at the campsite.
The trial before Justice Michael Croucher continues.?