The Bain Family Murders Part 1: A New Zealand Tragedy

The Discovery of the Bain Family

• 💔 On June 20, 1994, in Dunedin, New Zealand, the bodies of Robin and Margaret Bain and three of their four children were discovered in their home, all having been shot to death.
• 🏠 The only survivor was their 22-year-old son, David, who told police his father, Robin, was the killer and then took his own life.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Bain family, on paper, appeared to be a typical, well-functioning family with Robin as a school principal and the children pursuing education or careers.

The Crime Scene and Initial Investigation

• 🔫 A .22 caliber Winchester rifle with a silencer was taken from David's room, with access gained through a spare key to the trigger lock.
• 🩸 David reported returning home to find his family deceased, discovering his mother, Margaret, and father, Robin, before calling emergency services.
• ⚠️ First responders noted David's distraught state, including physical injuries like a bruised head and scratches, and his claims of "black hands" coming to get him.
• 🤢 The home was described as being in a state of extreme disrepair, cluttered, filthy, and filled with a strong odor, complicating the crime scene investigation.
• 👕 Green fibers consistent with a blood-stained sweater David washed were found under Steven's fingernails, suggesting a struggle.

David's Account and Emerging Suspicions

• 📰 David stated he left for his paper route before the estimated time of the murders and returned around 6:40 a.m., with the emergency call made at 7:09 a.m., leaving a 25-minute gap.
• 💻 A computer message was found: "Sorry, you are the only one who deserved to stay," raising questions about who typed it and when.
• ❓ Investigators noted inconsistencies in David's account, including his explanation for injuries and the presence of his bloody palm print on the washing machine.
• 🧦 Bloodstained footprints were found throughout the house, some differing in size, and blood was found on David's clothing and sock.

Family Dynamics and Background

• 🌍 The Bain family had previously lived in Papua New Guinea, where Robin worked as a missionary and teacher, and Margaret homeschooled the children.
• 🗣️ David described his parents' relationship as estranged, with communication being brief and critical, and Robin living separately during the week.
• 🧠 Margaret had developed peculiar ideas and beliefs related to occult symbols and new-age spiritualism, reportedly becoming disconnected from reality.
• 💔 David reported arguments between his parents and a fractured relationship with his father, noting perceived favoritism towards his sister Lanniette.

Mounting Evidence and Legal Proceedings

• 🔍 Police confirmed David's bloody fingerprints were on the rifle, with no sign of Robin's prints, and blood on David's clothing identified as Stephen's.
• ⚖️ David was charged with five counts of murder four days after the killings.
• 🔥 The Bain family home was destroyed in a controlled fire at the request of the families and in discussion with David.
• 🧠 Psychiatric evaluations deemed David fit to stand trial, though he reported experiencing déjà vu and translike states.
• ❓ The episode concludes by setting the stage for Part 2, which will delve into the trial, appeals, and the aftermath of this sensational case.