Au Pair Love Triangle Murder Trial, Day 3 | VA vs. Brendan Banfield | Trial Catchup

Fortner testified that the scene was secured when he arrived and that Christine had already been transported to hospital. He observed four vehicles at the residence, including vehicles associated with Brendan Banfield. He identified Juliana’s bedroom by a Brazilian flag and noted her clothing had been moved into the primary bedroom. He confirmed the photographs were taken eight months later, in October 2023.

• Crime-scene photographs.
• Vehicle presence at the residence.
• Photographs of Juliana Magalhaes’s bedroom and clothing placement.

Juliana testified that Brendan instructed her to follow his version of events if arrested. She confirmed pleading guilty to manslaughter and acknowledged strong incentives for cooperation, including reduced incarceration. Through letters written while jailed, she demonstrated prolonged loyalty to Brendan, resistance to cooperating, and willingness to take responsibility for both of them.

On cross-examination, Juliana conceded extensive memory failures, uncertainty over key planning details, and acknowledged outside influences—including her mother, media figures, and potential financial opportunities tied to her story. She admitted withholding information for a long period and attributed inconsistencies to trauma and mental health struggles.

Despite these admissions, Juliana maintained that Brendan was the primary planner and decision-maker, asserting she followed his instructions. On redirect, she portrayed herself as abandoned, facing an uncertain future, and emotionally damaged by the consequences of Brendan’s plan.

• Observation of two telephones recovered from Brendan Banfield’s vehicle.

Leach testified that Joseph Ryan’s body remained at the scene for approximately seven hours. He collected blood evidence and examined items in Ryan’s bag. He observed blood droplets on Brendan’s pants, which were sent to the lab, and noted no blood on Juliana’s clothing. Leach presented CCTV footage showing Brendan at a McDonald’s drive-thru at 7:21 a.m., including extended bathroom use. Call records showed communications between Brendan, Juliana, and Christine, and multiple 911 calls beginning at 7:48 a.m. Cross-examination highlighted untested stains and a contaminated firearm.

• Blood collection and transfer for testing.
• Examination of Joseph Ryan’s bag.
• Observation of blood droplets on Brendan Banfield’s pants.
• CCTV footage from McDonald’s.
• Call-log records from Brendan Banfield’s and Juliana Magalhaes’s phones.

Niederriter testified that the windows were fully replaced shortly before the murders. He could not identify who requested the work but confirmed he measured and assessed the property.

• Testimony confirming full window installation in December 2022.

Shotwell testified that Brendan Banfield attended the range with Juliana Magalhaes in October and December 2022 and that Christine Banfield was not listed on attendance records. Her testimony corroborated claims of firearms training during the alleged planning period.

• Range records identifying Brendan Banfield’s registration.
• Attendance records from October and December 2022.

Gudakunst testified that fingerprint results from the gun were inconclusive for all parties. He was not asked to examine the gun safe and was never provided additional exemplars to examine letters, despite requesting them multiple times. Cross-examination emphasized investigative gaps.

• Latent and known fingerprint comparisons from all involved parties.

McCarthy testified that the Glock firearm functioned properly and was capable of firing the fatal shots. Cross-examination elicited no new facts.

• Expert testimony confirming Brendan Banfield’s Glock was operable.
• Gunshot-residue and distance-determination testing.

Colombo testified that Brendan and Juliana were eliminated as contributors to DNA under the knife, that Brendan could not be eliminated from DNA on the bed sheets, and that Christine could not be eliminated from blood droplets on Brendan’s pants. She explained that washing hands can remove DNA. Cross-examination addressed expectations of transfer DNA.

• DNA analysis of knife underside, bed sheets, Joseph Ryan’s coat, and blood droplets on Brendan’s pants.

Greenspoon testified that Brendan could not be eliminated from DNA on his coat and that DNA mixtures near the bed included Joseph Ryan and Christine Banfield. No cross-examination occurred.

• Expert interpretation of DNA mixtures from clothing, knife ends, and bed-side swabs.

Crowley testified to the qualifications, methodology, and reliability of the DNA analysis conducted in the case, reinforcing the credibility of prior forensic testimony.

• Testimony regarding training, accreditation, and laboratory standards.