Judge Orders Prosecutors To Explain Why Forensics Expert Was Transferred | Brendan Banfield Trial

Jan 18, 04:00 AM

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Judge Penney Azcarate wants answers. She's ordered prosecutors to turn over all communications related to the transfer of Officer Brendan Miller — the digital forensics expert whose findings contradicted the prosecution's theory in the Brendan Banfield murder case.

Miller analyzed 60 devices connected to the case. His conclusion: Christine Banfield — not her husband — appeared to control the FetLife account prosecutors claim was used to lure Joseph Ryan to his death. The University of Alabama peer-reviewed his analysis and confirmed it. Then, according to court testimony, Miller was told he'd never work another digital forensics case. He was transferred out. The lead homicide detective who disagreed with command staff was also reassigned.

On February 24, 2023, Christine Banfield, 37, was stabbed to death in her Herndon, Virginia home. Joseph Ryan, 39, lay feet away, shot twice by two different guns. Their 4-year-old daughter was in the basement waiting to go to the zoo.

Prosecutors allege Brendan Banfield and au pair Juliana Peres Magalhaes were having an affair and staged the murders to look like self-defense. Juliana faced murder charges for a year before changing her story and taking a plea deal that lets her walk free if she testifies against Banfield.

Retired FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer breaks down what she calls "a theory in search of facts." The original prosecutor was removed after being cited for drinking at 8 a.m. Key evidence was excluded. It took 19 months to charge Banfield. There were 24 competing theories before the au pair flipped.

This case had serious problems before a single witness took the stand. Now a jury has to decide who's telling the truth.

#BrendanBanfield #ChristineBanfield #JulianaPeresMagalhaes #TrueCrimeToday #FetLife #JudgeAzcarate #JenniferCoffindaffer #DigitalForensics #MurderTrial #TrueCrime

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This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.