Sole survivor: Brenda Lin's harrowing story of betrayal and murder | 7NEWS Spotlight 

One of the worst lessons I learnt in life is that those that are closest to us can cause us more harm than a stranger.

Brenda please know this: your father knew you loved him. He knew. Hugs.

The part towards the end where she's just walking with her dog makes me think about how many people pass her by and have no idea the horror shes been through and who knows maybe even the people passing by have been through horrific events too , reminds me to be kind to everyone no matter what. You have no idea what the person next to you has been through/going through. God bless!

My heart broke when Brenda was feeling guilty saying she didn’t tell her dad she loved him as she was saying goodbye to him prior to going on her trip. Brenda, if you’re reading these comments, know that your dad knew you loved him. Parents know…they really do.

Dear Brenda. I am a father. I know for a fact that your dad knows you love him. I am sure he is proud of the amazing person you have become.

Poor thing she looks spiritually, physically and emotionally exhausted. May she find peace and love in her life

This documentary was respectfully done. It didn't sensationalize the gruesome details or show too much of the crime scene. It focused on the survivor , a lovely young woman whose gonna share kindness and hope wherever she goes in life. You can tell by the way she speaks of them that they were wonderful people who deserved better. She smiles when she thinks of them even though its bittersweet for her and she cries. The uncle is where he belongs and he's gonna rot in there and be forgotten. Her family will continue to be remembered by her and her parents are proud of her. They know she loves them.

Her principal is like a loving, empathetic mother and her friends seem like sisters to her. I am so grateful all the support and love she has received.

The fact the kids woke up during the attack and fought for their lives further adds to the horror for me, what a monster for real

Are we going to ignore the host ? She was very compassionate and respectful towards Brenda's limits . 👏 Good job !

Ugh, the pure grief in her voice as she describes her last moments with her father. Just breaks my heart into a million pieces.

Her principal Susan is stellar. She’s lucky to have her in her life. Not all school administrators are so involved or caring about the students and community. She’s a wonderful example of of excellence in education. God watch over Brenda. She looks like she’s headed in the right path to healing. Much luck and love to her.

Growing up, I used to think that my grandma was crazy because she didn’t allow some family members around my sister and I. After she passed away I found out the truth. She was protecting us from the evil in her own family, her sister’s kids.

That school principal is the type we wish to principal.ALL our children..What a lady..More life , more blessings to her.

This is why it’s very important for the parents to teach their children not to keep any secrets especially when someone is abusing or threatening them. Praying for Brenda’s peace and strength 🙏🏼

The Principle’s empathy is astonishing, her commitment to Brenda’s recovery and ability to instil love and hope is tragically too rare a gift. For both she and Brenda, I hope her wishes for Brenda’s future come true.

That school principal is a genuinely good hearted person.

Anyone watching this please. Never be afraid to report sexual abuse. No matter who the person is abusing you!

The uncle seemed like a pretty obvious person of interest from Day 1, and there seemed to be a lot of circumstantial evidence against him as well as physical evidence if they only looked. How did it take two years before his initial arrest? That seems like pretty lackadaisical police work. Meanwhile, that poor girl was forced to live with this monster during this time and endure sexual abuse. And the evidence of sexual abuse was suppressed at the trial? WTH kind of messed up legal process is that?

How does one ever get over loosing an entire family? A nightmare from hell. Bless this young girl and ease her heart. ❤

When she was telling the story about leaving and not telling her father certain things, I wanted to go through the screen and hold her. Poor baby. She is still so raw and hurt.

The loneliest people are the kindest. The saddest people smile the brightest. The most damaged people are the wisest. All because they do not wish to see anyone else suffer the way they do. Keep shining you beautiful girl. What defines you , is your light. Your family would be so proud of you.

I am so proud of her, she is in law school now and going to spread her kindness with her kine of work.

She’s been through an unspeakable amount of pain and trauma. She has every reason to hate the world, but instead wants to make it a better place. Her strength to move forward is extremely admirable. She deserves to live a very joyful and fulfilling life. On another note, her uncle deserves to never see daylight again.

I don't think that principal has enough credit for what she did in speaking out and stepping up for Brenda!! So much compassion

To anyone questioning why she’s smiling a lot it’s because she is stronger than you people. Instead of letting the trauma destroy her she is trying to remember the things she loved about her family members. Do you seriously not see the way she is smiling specifically when she is talking about her memories of her family members and complimenting them, she is remembering them fondly and that is why she is smiling, she probably has tried to push the traumatic part out of her memory, so that she can go on living. Instead of reliving the trauma she is clearly trying very hard to think about her family members when they were alive rather than their death, that’s why you see her smiling in the tears because she is trying to fight through her traumatic memories by recalling the good ones. Also she may naturally just be a person who smiles nervously when she is put on the spot. Especially in an interview about a very personal trauma for millions to see. By that same logic you could say the interviewer is a psychopathic murderer because she is smiling throughout the video while talking about an unspeakable murder, get over yourselves🙄🤮.

I was a student living around the neighbourhood at that time. I remembered passing by their newsagency and always got my bus tickets there, and my host family's daughters also went to the same school with Brenda. Absolutely heartbreaking when I heard the news >< Such a warm-hearted man her father was...

susan the high school principal is so lovely. the world needs teachers like hre

When the principal stated she witnessed him yelling at Brenda, I could only think he was trying to get her to sign over the family's business and money to him. I'm glad the principal introduced her to a lawyer that could fight for her!

In Asian culture, it's actually quite common for children to not ever tell their parents 'I love you' and vice versa, mainly because of being brought up in generations of traditional and conservative rules. Instead of words, it's shown through actions instead. Poor Brenda...

You can see the pain in her eyes. I wish her all the best life has to offer

Hands down, this is the worst case of betrayal by a family member that I have ever seen! I am amazed by this girl's strength.

Her principal is a very caring woman with strong maternal instincts, she was able to tap into the confrontation she witnessed between Brenda and that evil man and knew that he was a very dangerous man, what a remarkable woman, at that moment she was not a principal but a mother protecting her offspring. She is a fantastic lady, God bless her.

The principle lady is just a wonderfully compassionate lady. When she said she wants to be there when Brenda gets married, has her first child, and has a family again, it almost made me tear up.

I have 3 daughters and this touches me deeply. Thank God Brenda has some incredible people around her. She is the epitome of "a survivor" and it's amazing. I'm so glad she has her dog! Anyone who's loved a dog knows of their unconditional love and their uncanny ability to stabilize one's life. Bless you, Brenda. And don't cry because you didn't tell your dad of your love for him. He knows, he really does know.

Last year I lost my sister to a brutal homicide at the hands of her brother in law. In her home, 4 years after she lost her husband to cancer. The pain I feel is beyond words can explain. This young lady must be experiencing 100 times more what I'm feeling because she lost all if her family! I pray that she will one day be able to just fully live! She seems to be surrounded by people who love and support her.

She's been abused most of her life without anyone knowing. She's used to putting on a smile to hide her pain. I hope she lives a calm life

The interviewers in Australia are so respectful, considerate, and kind. I appreciated how they handled this interview instead of forcing and probing

Seeing the grandparents in so much hurt and pain just broke my heart

This has to be the saddest story I've ever listened too yet the most inspiring

The school principal is a very responsible and kind woman.

The way the school and community galvanized for Brenda.......so heartwarming to see. Sad sad tragedy

I love that she got to go see her parent’s home. That’s such a beautiful way to honor their lives.

As a teacher I feel for that principal. We genuinely love our students and want to shield them from hurt and loss. They often don’t understand the depths of our hopes and wishes for them. This young lady is a strong, beautiful person and I hope she lives life to the fullest extent. As a parent also that is what I would want for my child… to live happily and know that her parents loved her with every fiber of their being.

Her aunt is also a monster. How can she stand by the very person that murdered her own brother, sister-in-law, and two nephews. This is so disheartening and makes me sick to the core.

The principal is extraordinary human being. She is a real role model.

He even gives off them creepy vibes just looking at him & listening to his interview.

hearing Brenda describe her parents made me think about this in a different perspective: just made me think about how I felt about my own parents and just makes me appreciate and love them more, a reminder that this should never be taken for granted. I can't even imagine what it must have been like to experience what she did, but I'm glad she shared her incredible story

Her uncle confessed to the murders and giving his wife sleeping meds. So why the confusion over his innocence. I highly respect Brenda and her teacher/principal. 🙏🏻

Uncle Robert is a despicable creep. My prayers for Brenda for healing.

I can’t imagine the amount of grief to not just lose one member of your family but all at once. Not only that but the only relatives that could look after and comfort you, could do such horrific things. My heart goes to that poor girl and am amazed at her strength.

Heartbreaking. I admire how strong Brenda is. And bless her friends, including her school principal, for being wonderful and supportive.

Her high school principal is a rock star she saw through him immediately She is working at the job to save this girl That was God I do believe

Both the interviewer and school principal expressed incredible compassion towards Brenda. She was able to provide a glimpse into her life-her family tragedy-without judgement, and without being hurried. Her spirit is incredible. Bravo.

Too many bloody fathers and uncles that sexually abuse their daughters and sons. The world is sick

Brenda’s friends are impressive. They understand the importance of treating her no differently. Her desire to focus on the good and not choose bitterness is not only wise but is obviously proving to have a powerful affect on her life.

Oh man, seeing just one coffin of a family member is devastating enough, but seeing 5 ? I can't imagine...

“People become bitter or better”. What a beautiful young woman!!

Very sweet of Brenda's school principal being so concerned about her student. So very motherly. Brenda herself seems so soft & disciplined. How much courage she should have to face all that she has.

Why did the other judges dismiss her sexual abuse in court when it was clearly relevant to bring it up especially with him being a main suspect.

The principal had 6th sense, strong intuition about the killer.

This girl is so strong. She’s been through a lot and still radiates so much positivity. If you are reading this, keep saying strong. You will have your own family one day and find that love again you once had.

Couldnt stop crying😢 Such a strong, beautiful & amazing young woman

I'm 100% sure she'll be a great wife & parent, a strong spouse/mom anyone would be lucky to have in their life. That day will come, Brenda.

I hope every principal is just like her. She loves and cares about her students.

My heart broke when she said she wanted her parents to be proud of her. Brenda, they’ve always and will always be proud of you.

Smiling can be a coping mechanism for some people dealing with grief so she's not really smiling when she was smiling & crying at the same time😔

Bless Brenda's high school principal 🙏 and her genuine, loving friends. 💌

That school principal is a gem

Can’t help but cry at the sadness she is feeling. How could such evil exist on this earth.

I want to adopt her the fact she thinks she will never have family is heartbreaking 💔 she will make an amazing family when she’s ready

Tears rolled down my cheeks watching this documentary and listening to Brenda talk about how she felt. I pray that she keeps healing from this horrible event. I'm happy she have good people in her life, her principal and friends that look after her well being 💖

I would never be the interviewer I would be on the floor crying instead of actually talking 😭😭😭

The principal came into her life as an Angel. Such a role model, Hats off to you Principal.

Oh Brenda. My heart and love are going out to you. Watching this tiny glimpse into your life journey and how you are moving forward in life is encouraging me to keep moving forward too after experiencing traumatic loss. Thank you so much for sharing your most difficult time with us. It has helped me more than I can adequately explain at this time. My heartfelt condolences are severely inadequate for your loss but I am sending them as well. Respect, love and support from America. ❤️🌺❤️

Brenda is such a strong person i have ever seen! I really can't imagine what she had gone through when she would have received the tragic news about her family.I wish her a happy life and she really deserves all the love! Also her principal is really a wonderful person! The way she considered every child hers is really amazing which is so rare now-a-days.Also her friends are amazing. The way they all gave her support and love is incredible!

the fact she still talks about her family in the present tense and smiles fondly while remembering them really shows how much faith and love she harbors for them. god bless you brenda 🙏

Bludgeoning is such a horrible way of murdering, it's so personal and close compared to shooting someone. It's horrific the boys woke up, the fear and pain they must've felt in their last moments is just so cruel. Rest in peace to this family.

Absolutely heartbreaking, a loving family murdered and their young daughter devastated at the unnecessary loss of her dad, mum and her two little brothers.

I was deeply betrayed by my father and my brother on their business issues and I understand how hurt it could be to have somebody who are your close family members had been taking on your advantage and ditches you when your used, it's really hurts

Her friends and the principal make me believe the world is good. Real angels.

the victim blaming here in the comments is unreal. trying to make her look like an accomplice to the crime just because she grieves differently from what you perceive as “normal”. also, she was 15 at the time of the murder, and some of you all really think she was in on the plan to murder her entire family. ridiculous

I love the principal… touched and cried when hearing the school principal…. She is so kind!

heart breaking interview, the smile she put on her face, to me, it means the well education and kindness this lady is. May God bless you

I’m so proud of Australia 🇦🇺 for supporting this poor girl in her worse time in her life, thank you 🙏🏻

Every school in the world needs a Principal like her..

I have just witnessed grace, beauty, strength and love in this wonderfully courageous woman named Brenda Lin. She experienced such a severe tragedy in her life at such a young age and to lose her entire family after being sexually abused by the uncle that murdered her entire family and yet she has the strength and grace to face it all. If I had experienced such a trauma I do not believe that I would be able to show the grace and dignity this amazing young woman has shown. I am so grateful that she had such devoted friends and faculty from school to rally around her and give her the anchors that she needed to get through what I can only imagine were the darkest days of her life. I admire her strength and her willingness to share what she can with everyone in hopes that it helps others who are experiencing dark days be strong. She will always be in my heart and I will wish only the very best that life has to offer her and her lovely fluffy baby husky named sky. Of all the companions she could have chosen she selected the most wonderful friend to have on her life journey. Huskies are amazing animals and are notorious for sensing their owners emotions and helping them lift their spirits in their time of need. They are quite chatty too and have the most adorable expressions. I was lucky enough to have two lovely huskies in my life and they were so incredibly unique and loving.

Shout out to her high school principal and friends that helped and supported her through the most hardest times of her life ❤️❤️ what a beautiful strong woman 💖xxxx

There’s NOTHING I’d like to see happen more, than to wake up one day in the future to see a news piece about her wedding day with her principal at her side, as well as the entire community there as the biggest support system. She deserves THE WORLD, and I’m praying so much that she gets all the love and good in it from now on ♥️

Can we just take a moment and acknowledge how INCREDIBLY STRONG AND COURAGEOUS THIS BEAUTIFUL ANGEL IS!💞🌟💞🌟💞

Her parents brought up a very beautiful young lady I hope she finds the peace and love she deserves she’s so gracious God bless her❤❤❤

Hope she has her own family one day. She's a very courageous person and deserves that x

I am a father and one day you will know that regardless of what you did or didn’t say at a certain time to your Dad. HE KNOWS that he has a daughter who loves him ... As parents, the fact that you are young and growing as our revered children is a miracle we enjoy so immensely - we as parents are NOT looking to prove out “if” you are emoting and professing your love properly ....that isn’t the goal - We Know you Love us - it’s understood. - You will “understand” someday and it will be overwhelming- there are GREAT things in your future. You WILL get there ...AND you will reunite w/ your family someday - until then - Prayers and blessings to you

May her Uncle Robert burn in hell for such a hateful, despicable, callous, monstrous and sadistic act. Brenda Lin deserves all of the world’s undivided sympathy, empathy, compassion, kindness and respect. This story sent chills down my spine. For anyone to endure such tragedy like this is very heartbreaking and broken-hearted.

She's obviously such a sweet and innocent young lady. I hate this for her, I'm emotionally gone after seeing this, I can't imagine how she manages to show that beautiful smile regularly. I'm here for you Brenda if you ever see this.

Brenda is an extraordinariiy strong young woman and very blessed to have such a loving compassionate principal and friends.

She smiles all the times when she talked about family horror but if you focus to her eyes when speaking about her sad experienced, you can see sadness, hurt and pain in her whole being. She is a very strong young person . God bless her al the way of life.

I can't imagine how Brenda feels, watching her aunt (Uncle Robert's wife) continuing to support him. Being that she's her only surviving blood relative, it must be devastating to know she supports the man who abused you and murdered your entire family.

When I was nine years old my school principal intervened in my behalf. The man literally changed my life! God bless you Mr Cannon ! 😅❤❤❤❤😂

It is just sooo horrific to see 5 coffins in 1 funeral ceremony. For me to see it is heart wrenching. I really can't imagine being there and having to say goodbye. The reality of the entire situation is just so unbelievable. I'm so sorry for this young woman. I hope that one day, the truth of everything finally comes out, as closure for everyone affected. 😭💔