At the reading of Ms Johnsons last will and testament, a brawl broke out between sons Ben and Graham.

A day later, Ben Johnson was kidnapped – a ransom note in Russian demanded half a million dollars in 24 hours.

But, 12 hours later, Mr Johnson was found dead in the bush with three bullet wounds.

This is just one of the scenarios students are solving at The Armidale School Forensic Science Camp.

Organised by Year 10 students, campers test hair strands, dust for prints and test soil composition.

Camp controller Henry O’Neil said the camp is a taster for students that are considering forensic science as a career.

“To solve the crime, whatever it is, you have to have teamwork and cooperation – it’s not a single person job,” he said.

“They really need to work together and communicate with each other.

“There’s a lot of thinking involved in the camp and they do have to do things you wouldn’t normally think about on a daily basis.”

This year the camp attracted 96 boys and girls from 29 schools across NSW, QLD and the ACT.

Running for 20 years, the teams will present their cases to Armidale solicitor Michael Dennis – who will work as a magistrate and determine if the cases are strong enough for a conviction.

Year 8 student Sophie O’Brien said the camp, that runs until Saturday, had been incredibly exciting so far.

“It’s really interesting, it’s thrilling but at the same time very confusing,” she said.

“You think you’ve got it, and then you get more evidence and you definitely don’t [sic] got it.

“We’re all completely different people coming together on one case and it’s amazing in 24 hours how much you can get to know someone.”

A management team of four older students organise recruitment, catering, and accommodation at TAS.

The campers will also enjoy a number of activities at night time, including a talent quest.