Born Criminal: Is Violence Genetic?

This is an edited version of the Bad People podcast.

The only murderer in the family? When serial killer Robert Spahalski admitted to murder in 2005, police not only discovered his decades-long criminal past but also a fascinating family history that raises the possibility of a genetic tendency towards violence.
Dr Julia Shaw and Sofie Hagen investigate the age-old concept of “bad families” and ask whether criminal behaviour is passed down through generations. And if so, is it through genes, our environment or our experiences?
CREDITS
Presenters: Dr Julia Shaw and Sofie Hagen
Producer: Laura Northedge
Assistant Producer: Hannah Ward
Editor: Anna Lacey
Music: Matt Chandler

Commissioning Executive: Dylan Haskins
Commissioning Assistant Producer: Adam Eland