BLACK HANDS - A family mass murder

BLACK HANDS - A family mass murder

This is the story of a mass-murder that divided a nation - a story that began in a rickety old home on a cold June morning in 1994, where five members of a seemingly ordinary New Zealand family were gunned down. There were two suspects. One lay dead from a single bullet to the head. The other was the only survivor: David Bain. Since then the country has asked: who killed the Bain family? David or his father Robin? In this podcast, Martin van Beynen explores the case from start to finish, picking through evidence, the mysteries and motives, and interviewing never-before-spoken-to witnesses. He seeks to finally answer the question: Who was the killer? Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this episode. For an ad-free experience go to listen.stuff.co.nz/truecrime to get access to this and three other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free, for about the price of a cup of coffee… and you’ll be helping us make more great podcasts, like this one.

Episodes

July 2, 2017 1 min
A groundbreaking new podcast series on the most controversial murders in New Zealand history - the killing of five members of the Bain family in 1994. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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It's June 20, 1994. Police are called to a rundown home in Dunedin, New Zealand. They're not sure what to expect after a panicked phone call. But inside were five dead bodies, a chaotic scene and and several clues pointing to the killer. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this episode. For an ad-free experience subscribe to Stuff Extra on...
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July 4, 2017 48 mins
By any standard, this family was unusual, even bizarre. Mother Margaret Bain's complicated spiritual life and beliefs meant the family was constantly encouraged to put Satan behind them. She practised self hypnosis, meditation and channelling. Their life in Papua New Guinea helped to concentrate the family's oddness. How did it influence the slaughter? Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover...
Mark as Played
July 5, 2017 44 mins
From the outside, the Bain family seemed to have settled into a new life in Dunedin. Eldest son David was on a new path, while sister Laniet appeared to have given up prostitution and Arawa was thriving as a budding teacher. But in the six months before the shootings, cracks began to emerge. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this episode...
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July 6, 2017 41 mins
The shootings appalled the country and deeply shocked the community and wider Bain family. Yet sole survivor David Bain's unusual reaction surprised many. Loyalties were tested. Suspicions were raised. And then an arrest is made. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this episode. For an ad-free experience subscribe to Stuff Extra on Apple P...
Mark as Played
July 7, 2017 45 mins
Motive has always been the most puzzling aspect of the Bain shootings. Neither Robin nor David seemed like mass killers. But both had reasons to kill. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this episode. For an ad-free experience subscribe to Stuff Extra on Apple Podcasts or at listen.stuff.co.nz/truecrime to get access to this and other Stuf...
Mark as Played
Although police initially regarded the shootings as a murder/suicide, evidence began to mount against David Bain. His fingerprints were on the rifle, he had blood on his T-shirt, a lens from glasses in his bedroom were found in his dead brother's room and he had injuries that were consistent with a fight. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads durin...
Mark as Played
July 9, 2017 36 mins
Could Robin have murdered his children and then taken his own life? Robin had blood and bruising on his hands. His foot size was more likely to fit bloody footprints in the house. Was a mysterious note left on the family computer Robin's final words? Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this episode. For an ad-free experience subscribe to S...
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July 10, 2017 35 mins
If Robin murdered his wife and children, his final task would be to shoot himself. But how likely is it that a right-handed man would shoot himself in the left temple? Is it even possible? Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this episode. For an ad-free experience subscribe to Stuff Extra on Apple Podcasts or at listen.stuff.co.nz/truecrim...
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July 11, 2017 50 mins
Despite giving evidence in court only once, David Bain has said a lot about the shootings in various contexts. He has steadfastly maintained his innocence but the details of his story have changed. How plausible is it? Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this episode. For an ad-free experience subscribe to Stuff Extra on Apple Podcasts or ...
Mark as Played
July 12, 2017 36 mins
The equation is simple: It had to be either Robin or David. Now it's time to make a decision. Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this episode. For an ad-free experience subscribe to Stuff Extra on Apple Podcasts or at listen.stuff.co.nz/truecrime to get access to this and other Stuff True Crime podcasts ad-free, for about the price of a c...
Mark as Played
July 13, 2017 58 mins
In 2012 Canadian judge Justice Binnie said David Bain was innocent on the balance of probabilities. Why? Hear what Binnie says and what Martin van Beynen makes of his arguments. And why does Binnie compare van Beynen to Inspector Javert, a fictitious fanatical police inspector? Podcasts like this one take a lot of time and resources to create. To help cover some of that cost, you will hear some ads during this episode. For an ad-fr...
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