Critics at Large | The New Yorker In the Dark: Blood Relatives, Episode 1
Oct 28, 2025
A family massacre at an isolated manor in 1985 leads to a shocking investigation. Heidi Blake delves into the complicated Bamber family dynamics and the mental health struggles of Sheila. As initial evidence points to Sheila as the perpetrator, the narrative shifts towards Jeremy, revealing his dark past and the tensions within the household. The podcast uncovers new insights and reexamines the case, questioning the conclusions drawn by the police and the media. A gripping tale entwined with family secrets and tragic events.
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Adoption And Hidden Family Strains
- Neville and June Bamber adopted Sheila and Jeremy after years of infertility and appeared to offer an idyllic country life.
- Inside the manor, however, private sorrow and emotional distance shaped both children's futures and family dynamics.
Generational Mental-Health Decline
- June and Sheila both suffered severe mental-health crises, with June repeatedly institutionalised and Sheila diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
- Their illnesses included psychosis, hospital stays, electroshock therapy, hallucinations, and medication noncompliance.
Jeremy's Return And Troubling Behavior
- Jeremy returned from boarding school as a rebellious, flirtatious presence who antagonised villagers and his parents.
- Neighbours described him as charming at times but prone to cruel pranks and provocative behaviour.