Anonymous

Three hunters who recognised Russell from news coverage came forward to say they'd met him at nearby King Billy No. 2 campsite a week before his disappearance. They described Russell as a knockabout sort of guy who'd asked permission to fly his drone near their camp. The hunters noted Russell's expertise with his drone and dedication to his radio setup.

When he mentioned building the Zika spur track, they sensed pride in his former work. Though friendly, Russell revealed a darker side when discussing retirement. Now I'm retired and it really fucked me up, he'd told them. His comments about retirement and home life concerned them enough to suggest suicide to investigators.

When he mentioned building the Zika spur track, they sensed pride in his former work. Though friendly, Russell revealed a darker side when discussing retirement. Now I'm retired and it really fucked me up, he'd told them. His comments about retirement and home life concerned them enough to suggest suicide to investigators.

When he mentioned building the Zika spur track, they sensed pride in his former work. Though friendly, Russell revealed a darker side when discussing retirement. Now I'm retired and it really fucked me up, he'd told them. His comments about retirement and home life concerned them enough to suggest suicide to investigators.

While police considered their observations, they found no other evidence suggesting Russell was suicidal, let alone capable of involving Carol in such a plan. But forensic evidence did indicate that something violent had happened to the couple. Russell and Carol's DNA had been found throughout Russell's Land Cruiser.

While police considered their observations, they found no other evidence suggesting Russell was suicidal, let alone capable of involving Carol in such a plan. But forensic evidence did indicate that something violent had happened to the couple. Russell and Carol's DNA had been found throughout Russell's Land Cruiser.

While police considered their observations, they found no other evidence suggesting Russell was suicidal, let alone capable of involving Carol in such a plan. But forensic evidence did indicate that something violent had happened to the couple. Russell and Carol's DNA had been found throughout Russell's Land Cruiser.

There was blood on the driver's armrest and DNA recovered from a map under the passenger seat. There were also six bloodstains on the inside of Russell's vehicle canopy that matched Carol's DNA. There had long been whisperings that something sinister was happening in Victoria's high country. Although strikingly beautiful, the region has somewhat of a dark history.

There was blood on the driver's armrest and DNA recovered from a map under the passenger seat. There were also six bloodstains on the inside of Russell's vehicle canopy that matched Carol's DNA. There had long been whisperings that something sinister was happening in Victoria's high country. Although strikingly beautiful, the region has somewhat of a dark history.

There was blood on the driver's armrest and DNA recovered from a map under the passenger seat. There were also six bloodstains on the inside of Russell's vehicle canopy that matched Carol's DNA. There had long been whisperings that something sinister was happening in Victoria's high country. Although strikingly beautiful, the region has somewhat of a dark history.

Near where Russell and Carol had gone missing stood Wanangatta Station, where station manager James Barclay was found shot dead in 1917. The simultaneous disappearance of his cook, John Bamford, led to Bamford becoming the prime suspect, until he was discovered months later with a bullet in his head. These murders were never solved.

Near where Russell and Carol had gone missing stood Wanangatta Station, where station manager James Barclay was found shot dead in 1917. The simultaneous disappearance of his cook, John Bamford, led to Bamford becoming the prime suspect, until he was discovered months later with a bullet in his head. These murders were never solved.

Near where Russell and Carol had gone missing stood Wanangatta Station, where station manager James Barclay was found shot dead in 1917. The simultaneous disappearance of his cook, John Bamford, led to Bamford becoming the prime suspect, until he was discovered months later with a bullet in his head. These murders were never solved.

More recently, several high-profile disappearances have occurred in the region. In 2008, 57-year-old father Warren Meyer went missing without a trace during a day hike, despite an extensive search effort. Three years later, former prison governor David Pradeau disappeared while deer hunting, sparking speculation about possible revenge killings.

More recently, several high-profile disappearances have occurred in the region. In 2008, 57-year-old father Warren Meyer went missing without a trace during a day hike, despite an extensive search effort. Three years later, former prison governor David Pradeau disappeared while deer hunting, sparking speculation about possible revenge killings.

More recently, several high-profile disappearances have occurred in the region. In 2008, 57-year-old father Warren Meyer went missing without a trace during a day hike, despite an extensive search effort. Three years later, former prison governor David Pradeau disappeared while deer hunting, sparking speculation about possible revenge killings.

In 2018, the body of Trace Lee Whittaker was found alongside strange items, but her cause of death remained undetermined. And in 2019, experienced hiker Niles Becker vanished during a planned trek, joining a growing list of those who entered the high country and never returned. The high country's unforgiving elements play a role in concealing evidence and thwarting investigations.

In 2018, the body of Trace Lee Whittaker was found alongside strange items, but her cause of death remained undetermined. And in 2019, experienced hiker Niles Becker vanished during a planned trek, joining a growing list of those who entered the high country and never returned. The high country's unforgiving elements play a role in concealing evidence and thwarting investigations.

In 2018, the body of Trace Lee Whittaker was found alongside strange items, but her cause of death remained undetermined. And in 2019, experienced hiker Niles Becker vanished during a planned trek, joining a growing list of those who entered the high country and never returned. The high country's unforgiving elements play a role in concealing evidence and thwarting investigations.

Extreme weather, treacherous terrain and dense vegetation can easily obscure trails and hide remains. There are also concerns that the region's isolation harbours illicit activities like illegal cannabis farms, which could potentially be linked to some disappearances.