The Bain family murders, which occurred on June 20, 1994, in Dunedin, New Zealand, remain one of the most haunting and controversial criminal cases in the country’s history. The tragedy unfolded within the walls of the Bain family home, leaving five members dead, a lone survivor, and a community grappling with questions of guilt, innocence, and justice.
Family Background:
Robin Irving Bain and Margaret Arawa Cullen, parents of four children – David, Arawa, Laniet, and Stephen – lived a seemingly ordinary life in Dunedin. The family’s return to New Zealand in 1988 marked a change in dynamics. The parents, Robin and Margaret, were estranged, with Margaret expressing interests in new-age spiritualism and referring to Robin in ominous terms.
Strained Relationships:
The Bain household, located at 65 Every Street, Andersons Bay, was described as “old and semi-derelict.” Photographs from the trial depicted squalid and messy rooms, reflecting the strained relationships within. Reports revealed frequent fights between Robin and Margaret, leading to Robin often sleeping in the back of his van or a caravan in the garden.
Laniet’s Troubling Revelation:
The eve of the murders saw Laniet, aged 18, returning home for a family meeting. Witnesses later revealed that Laniet intended to disclose a dark secret: an incestuous relationship with her father, Robin. This revelation would later become a focal point in the legal proceedings.
The Morning of June 20, 1994:
David Bain, the eldest son, made a distressing call to emergency services at 7:09 am, stating, “They’re all dead, they’re all dead.” Upon arrival, the police discovered the lifeless bodies of Robin, Margaret, Arawa, Laniet, and Stephen, each having suffered gunshot wounds.
Legal Proceedings and First Trial:
David Bain, charged with five counts of murder, faced a three-week trial in May 1995. The Crown argued he committed the murders before going on a paper run, while the defense contended that Robin was the perpetrator. The jury convicted David, and he received a life sentence.
Joe Karam’s Advocacy:
Former All Black rugby player Joe Karam became a central figure in the case, championing David’s cause. Karam’s unwavering support and campaign for a retrial eventually led to the case being reviewed by the Privy Council.
Privy Council’s Intervention:
In 2007, the Privy Council declared a “substantial miscarriage of justice” based on new evidence, leading to David’s release on bail. The retrial in 2009 resulted in his acquittal on all charges.
Compensation Battle:
David’s quest for compensation became another chapter in the Bain family saga. Two conflicting reports from overseas judges, Ian Binnie and Ian Callinan, added layers of complexity to the case. The government’s rejection of compensation and the subsequent ex gratia payment further fueled public debates.
Ongoing Controversy:
The Bain family murders continue to be a source of speculation, debate, and public fascination in New Zealand. The case’s enduring legacy raises questions about the justice system, the impact of media coverage, and the challenges of unraveling the truth in complex criminal investigations.
The Bain family murders remain etched in the annals of New Zealand’s criminal history, a case marked by tragedy, legal intricacies, and lingering controversy. Decades later, the quest for answers and justice persists, underscoring the enduring impact of a crime that shook a community to its core.