BLACK HANDS - A family mass murder-logo

BLACK HANDS - A family mass murder

True Crime

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?

Location:

New Zealand

Genres:

True Crime

Description:

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?

Language:

English


Episodes
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Recommendation: The Trial - The Retrial of David Benbow

11/13/2023
If you've loved Black Hands here's a recommendation for another Stuff podcast we think you'll love. It's called The Trial. It’s about a fascinating murder case which went to trial even though there was no weapon or body. After a hung jury, finding ourselves in the middle of our own legal challenge and then a retrial... The Trial podcast is finally back with a verdict. Check out The Trial and follow the show to get instant access to the whole series... But for now, here's a sample for you, as we return to court for The Retrial of David Benbow… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:46:32

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BONUS: Newsable Interview with Martin van Beynen, Host of Black Hands

7/16/2023
In this special bonus episode Imogen Wells and Emile Donovan take a peek behind the scenes of Black Hands in their conversation with host, Martin van Beynen. This interview originally appeared in Newsable, Stuff's daily news podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:06:17

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11. The Journalist And The Judge

7/13/2017
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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:58:54

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10. Who Did It?

7/12/2017
The equation is simple: It had to be either Robin or David. Now it's time to make a decision. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:36:41

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9. Recovered Memories

7/11/2017
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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:50:37

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8. The Suicide Puzzle

7/10/2017
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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:35:32

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7. The Case Against Robin

7/9/2017
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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:37:10

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6. Bloodied Fingerprints, Broken Glasses

7/8/2017
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:39:39

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5. Incest, Blackmail, Murder

7/7/2017
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:45:52

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4. "The Bastard Killed His Family"

7/6/2017
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:41:58

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3. A Family's Final Days

7/5/2017
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:44:33

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2. Mrs Bain, The Diary And The Devil

7/4/2017
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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:49:13

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1. House Of Horrors

7/3/2017
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:39:13

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Black Hands - Trailer

7/2/2017
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

Duration:00:01:57