An evil, despotic ruler orders all persons of your Race, birthplace, and approximate age put to death. As far as you know, you are the only one to escape this heinous act. (work with your DM to determine details)
Divorce: During your adolescence your parents split up and you were forced to chose which parent to live with (Work with your DM to detirmine the details)
As an adult you joined a rebellion against the local ruler, if successful you are outlawed, if it failed you escape, with only friends and family knowing your involvement. (Work with your DM to detirmine the details)