Growing up the child of a cold-blooded killer

Renee McBryde and Samantha Byran live on opposite sides of the world, but share a terrible truth. 

Both were born the innocent offspring to cold-blooded killers, their fathers convicted murderers. 

But as Liz Hayes discovers this Sunday on 60 Minutes, discovering the dark secret haunting their families and trying to understand why their fathers performed such horrific acts hasn’t been the only torment for these young women. 

More troubling is the lurking question: Are killers made or born? And is there such a thing as a murder gene?

Hayes also speaks to Dr Jeremy O’Dea in this week’s report, a Forensic Psychiatrist who has worked with some of Australia’s most dangerous prisoners.

She asks him the awful question that has following Renee and Samantha their entire lives: is there a gene for murder?

“It is a truth that each of us has inherited some parts of our parents,” says Hayes. “But it doesn’t mean their destiny is ours.
 
“I hope viewers will appreciate the courage it’s taken for both Renee and Samantha to tell their stories. That no matter the odds, you can win. And shame on those who try to stop you.”

‘Bloodlines’ airs this Sunday on 60 Minutes, 8.30pm on Channel 9.

For more on 60 Minutes, visit 9now.