The story of how one person’s evil act changed a country forever

Even the birth announcement reflected how ordinary everything seemed at the time. It was brief and unremarkable, reading simply: “To Carleen and Maurice. A bouncing boy. Thanks to doctor and staff.”

Nothing in those early moments hinted at what lay ahead — a reminder of how even the most unassuming beginnings can precede lives marked by darkness and loss.

The first year in Martin Bryant’s life unfolded quietly, he lived in a quiet Australian town without obvious warning signs. His mother later remembered her son as a generally happy, settled baby. She wasn’t alarmed by the fact that he resisted cuddling or showed little interest in physical affection.

But that calm didn’t last. By the time Martin was just 16 months old, he wasn’t merely walking, he was running, climbing, and constantly escaping whatever boundaries were put in place. His energy was relentless.

Frequently broke his toys

In a 2011 interview, his mother recalled that even from a very young age, Bryant was an “annoying” and “different” child who frequently broke his toys. A psychiatrist who later evaluated the boy reportedly told the family that his behavior was so disruptive and difficult that he would never be able to keep a job.

From the moment he began school, Bryant struggled with serious behavioral issues and learning difficulties. He was aggressive and destructive and found it extremely hard to relate to other children.

Locals later recalled disturbing behavior, including incidents where he pulled a snorkel from another boy while diving and cut down trees on a neighbor’s property. There are also reports that he tortured animals. He had few, if any, friends and was frequently bullied.

”I was knocked around all the time. No one wanted to be my friend,” Martin said.