Found Deceased Australia - Russell Hill, 74, & Carol Clay, 72, Wonnangatta Valley, 20 March 2020 #3

[TootsieFootsie]

Welcome to WS, BabyKB!
And thanks for the great first post!

News.com.au is reporting that a shovel was found at Mount Hotham

 

[TootsieFootsie]

Shovels taken into evidence in search for Russell Hill and Carol Clay

Two shovels taken into evidence in Mount Hotham search for missing campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay

A shovel and other items retrieved from the steep mountainside at Hotham. @9NewsMelb

 

[TootsieFootsie]

https://7news.com.au/news/missing-p...rch-for-missing-wonnangatta-campers-c-2590231

Two shovels have been found during the search for a pair of missing campers, after a major breakthrough led officers to a new area.

The tool was found in deep terrain and officers were seen walking from the undergrowth with it wrapped in plastic.

A short time later a second shovel was found.

Police are expected to hold a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to talk about the search.

 

[JLZ]

https://7news.com.au/news/missing-p...rch-for-missing-wonnangatta-campers-c-2590231

Two shovels have been found during the search for a pair of missing campers, after a major breakthrough led officers to a new area.

The tool was found in deep terrain and officers were seen walking from the undergrowth with it wrapped in plastic.

A short time later a second shovel was found.

Police are expected to hold a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to talk about the search.

"After". A major breakthrough took them to the area, and then they found the shovels.

 

[PrimeSuspect]

An older person or pair was later sighted at the Black Snake Creek, Eaglevale River crossing and the Ollies Jump area between March 22 and 23, however, police have never been able to determine if it was the missing campers.

Shovels taken into evidence in search for Russell Hill and Carol Clay

Most likely wasn't Russell and Carol, such a shame the couple haven't come forward yet, that threw out the timeline by 2 or 3 days since Russell made outside contact, they were probably already dead. jmo

 

[TootsieFootsie]

I have a feeling that the "older couple" just don't see themselves as fitting that description.

Most likely wasn't Russell and Carol, such a shame the couple haven't come forward yet, that threw out the timeline by 2 or 3 days since Russell made outside contact, they were probably already dead. jmo

 

[Kemug]

1. Well folks, after all this time, this could really be it. It'll be very interesting to hear what the police have to say in the upcoming press conference. Especially if they're really honest and forthcoming. I don't imagine it'll be good news, but I should think that even the families just want to know the truth by now. Not that the finding of bodies (possibly/presumably) is necessarily going to answer any or all of the questions, like who/why/how etc.

 

[JLZ]

An older person or pair was later sighted at the Black Snake Creek, Eaglevale River crossing and the Ollies Jump area between March 22 and 23, however, police have never been able to determine if it was the missing campers.

Shovels taken into evidence in search for Russell Hill and Carol Clay

Most likely wasn't Russell and Carol, such a shame the couple haven't come forward yet, that threw out the timeline by 2 or 3 days since Russell made outside contact, they were probably already dead. jmo

"Person or pair" is an interesting change.

 

[Kemug]

PS - sorry folks, just couldn't get rid of that wayward 1. that appeared in my last post!

 

[bearbear]

shovels and other items found
Shovels taken into evidence in search for Russell Hill and Carol Clay

 

[TootsieFootsie]

I think that's because an older woman was seen waiting to use the toilet.
Ie she was by herself.

"Person or pair" is an interesting change.

 

[JLZ]

I think that's because an older woman was seen waiting to use the toilet.
Ie she was by herself.

Yes, I think the identity/identities might be cleared up if they ask for people who were there not as part of a couple to come forward.

 

[JLZ]

shovels and other items found
Shovels taken into evidence in search for Russell Hill and Carol Clay

Then she tweets in reply to herself, a second shovel was found. But from the picture, with paper bags, other items too. The other items might turn out to be random litter.

 

[lampshade1]

From Vic pol: Police continue search for Russell Hill and Carol Clay in the Hotham area

Wednesday, 14 April 2021 05:01
Police have moved their search to the Mount Hotham area as part of the ongoing investigation into missing campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay.

Anyone who sights Russell or Carol is urged to contact triple zero (000) immediately.

Anyone with any other information regarding their disappearance or who has any CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Media Unit

87926

Have previous articles said what I have quoted in bold?

 

[bearbear]

Then she tweets in reply to herself, a second shovel was found. But from the picture, with paper bags, other items too. The other items might turn out to be random litter.

or hopefully a random cigarette butt or lolly wrapper with dna on they can match up with someone later

 

[JLZ]

Have previous articles said what I have quoted in bold?

Yes, a couple of weeks ago . . . we were somewhat surprised.

 

[TootsieFootsie]

I wasn't really that surprised.
If it ever comes to an inquest they have be shown to have followed up all possibilites, including that they are still alive.

Yes, a couple of weeks ago . . . we were somewhat surprised.

 

[TootsieFootsie]

No Cookies | Townsville Bulletin


Video. Appeal to anyone who was travelling through the Mt Hotham area, mid March last year (2020)
Anyone who saw anything to contact CrimeStoppers. 1800 333 000

 

[JLZ]

Something's coming up in my memory . . . that some months back I was looking on Google streetview at a town between Mt Hotham and Bright, it might have been Harrietville, I'm not sure. Does anyone remember why that would be? . . . was something reported seen in one of those small towns?

 

[JLZ]

If the shovels are related to these deaths, I'm thinking the bodies were buried between Wonnangatta and Mt Hotham. Google suggests two routes east out of the valley. Then from Hotham perhaps he continues on in the same (northerly) direction, through Bright, and returns to the general Melbourne area driving west then south. I mean, he'd probably be kind of spooked and feel relieved to be out of the mountains.