Overview
- Prosecutors rested Tuesday after presenting forensic, digital and testimonial evidence, and Judge Penney Azcarate rejected the defense motion to dismiss.
- The defense opened its case Wednesday by playing police bodycam footage through Officer Zachary Beckner, during which Brendan Banfield appeared visibly emotional.
- A bloodstain analyst testified that drip patterns and multi-directional flows on Joseph Ryan supported a staged scene, reinforcing the prosecution’s sequencing of a shooting followed by a stabbing.
- DNA testing showed Christine Banfield’s blood on Brendan Banfield’s clothing, which the defense argues is consistent with attempted first aid, and prior testimony noted his DNA was not found on the knife.
- The judge allowed child endangerment counts to proceed based on testimony that the couple’s 4-year-old daughter was brought into the home before the killings, as the defense continues to question Juliana Peres Magalhães’ reliability and motives under her plea deal.