As reported by News.com.au, Martin Bryant had a history with David and Sally Martin. In the years prior to the shooting, Martin and his father, Maurice, both attempted to purchase the Seascape Guesthouse. However, the Martins were unwilling to sell their business.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports Martin’s mother, Carleen, admitted her son was troubled and that he had been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. However, she does not believe the shootings “would have happened” if Maurice had not committed suicide. Although it is unclear why Maurice committed suicide, both he and Martin were frustrated that they were unable to purchase the bed and breakfast, and Maurice’s suicide affected Martin profoundly.
READ RELATED: Officer Kevin E. Davis Charged for Alleged Role in Drug Ring
It has also been suggested that Bryant may have been inspired to commit a mass shooting after hearing about the Dunblane, Scotland, massacre — in which 16 school children were killed. According to The Age, Professor Paul Mullen, who was Monash University’s chief of forensic psychiatry, interviewed Bryant in the midst of his trial at the request of his defense team. Mullen is convinced that Bryant became obsessed with the Scottish school shooting, which happened less than two months before the Port Arthur massacre.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Source:
