Banfield Trial: The 7:37 AM Phone Call That Prosecutors Say Proves Everything
Surveillance video and phone records took center stage on day three of the Brendan Banfield double murder trial as prosecutors worked to corroborate au pair Juliana Peres Magalhães's testimony with hard evidence. The jury watched footage from a McDonald's near the Banfield home showing the defendant waiting in the parking lot on the morning of February 24, 2023. At 7:37 AM, Banfield is seen leaving the bathroom with his phone pressed to his ear — matching call records that show Juliana phoned him at that exact moment.According to testimony, that call was the signal that Joseph Ryan had arrived at the house. Ryan was allegedly lured there through months of messages on the fetish website FetLife from someone he believed was Christine Banfield — but who prosecutors say was actually Brendan posing as his wife.Forensic testimony revealed Brendan's DNA was not on the knife allegedly used to kill Christine, but forensic scientist Katherine Colombo noted that police let him wash his hands before collecting samples. Blood on Banfield's jeans matched Christine's DNA. Fingerprint examiner Douglas Gudakunst testified that prints on the knife were inconclusive between Banfield and Ryan.Detectives also showed the jury photographs from eight months after the murders when they returned with a warrant. The master bedroom where Christine died had been completely transformed — new flooring, new furniture, and photos of Brendan with Juliana replacing images of Brendan with his late wife. Juliana had moved into that bedroom.Prosecutors established Banfield purchased a firearm less than a month before the killings and allegedly spent $30,000 on soundproof windows. Trial resumes Tuesday.#TrueCrimeToday #BrendanBanfield #AuPairAffair #ForensicEvidence #ChristineBanfield #MurderTrial #JosephRyan #FetLifeMurder #FairfaxTrial #CrimePodcastJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/tonybpodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This 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.
16 Tammi 27min
Eric Faddis: Does Nick Reiner Lose His Best Chance Now That Alan Jackson Is Gone?
Alan Jackson is one of the best defense attorneys in the country. He investigated the Nick Reiner case "top to bottom, back to front" and concluded Nick is "not guilty of murder" under California law. Now Nick has a public defender.Does that change in representation fundamentally alter his chances — or is an insanity defense an insanity defense regardless of who's arguing it? Attorney Eric Faddis breaks it down.Jackson withdrew under circumstances he's "legally and ethically prohibited" from explaining, citing factors "beyond Nick's control." His team spent three weeks on the case, issued ten sealed subpoenas, and built what appeared to be an insanity defense strategy. Then he walked outside and declared Nick not guilty from the courthouse steps. Nick is now represented by Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene. His arraignment has been pushed to February 23rd. He's charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances — multiple murders and use of a deadly weapon — making this death penalty eligible.Eric examines the sealed medical order reportedly relating to Nick's mental health treatment. Nick appeared at his first hearing in a suicide prevention smock and wasn't medically cleared for transport initially. At what point does "defendant has mental health issues" become a formal competency challenge?There's also the gas station surveillance video showing Nick calmly buying a drink hours after the murders. Eric explains how that footage works for both prosecution and defense depending on how it's framed.DA Nathan Hochman says he's "fully confident" in conviction and hasn't ruled out the death penalty. The surviving siblings have reportedly signaled they're not in favor. Eric analyzes how much that input actually matters.#NickReiner #EricFaddis #AlanJackson #RobReiner #MicheleReiner #TrueCrimeToday #InsanityDefense #PublicDefender #TrueCrime #ReinerCaseJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/tonybpodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This 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.
16 Tammi 17min
Paul Caneiro Trial: Did He Stab His 8-Year-Old Niece 17 Times or Did Police Get the Wrong Brother?
The Paul Caneiro quadruple murder trial is underway in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Prosecutors allege Caneiro shot his brother Keith, stabbed his sister-in-law Jennifer, and brutally killed his 11-year-old nephew Jesse and 8-year-old niece Sophia inside their Colts Neck mansion on November 20, 2018 — then set the house on fire to cover his tracks. According to autopsy findings cited in a civil lawsuit, Sophia survived for nine hours after being stabbed 17 times, ultimately dying from smoke inhalation.The State's case includes bloody jeans and gloves with the children's DNA found in Paul's basement, ballistics linking a gun in his home to the murder weapon, and security footage showing him disconnecting his cameras at 1:28 AM. Hours later, Paul's own Ocean Township home caught fire — allegedly another arson he committed to make it look like his family was being targeted.The defense says police had tunnel vision. They're pointing at Corey Caneiro, the third brother, who was never investigated and whose DNA was never collected — despite standing to inherit $1.5 million from the same life insurance policy. A civil lawsuit alleges Corey took control of the insurance proceeds and bought a $1.8 million home within a year of the murders.Paul Caneiro has maintained his innocence for seven years. He faces life without parole if convicted. We have full trial coverage and analysis. #PaulCaneiro #ColtsNeckMurders #MansionMurders #TrueCrimeToday #NewJerseyTrial #CanerioTrial #QuadrupleMurder #CourtTV #TrueCrime #BreakingNewsJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/tonybpodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This 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.
16 Tammi 34min
Nick Reiner Case: Psychotherapist Breaks Down His Mind, His Family's Trap & Why 18 Rehabs Failed
Psychotherapist Shavaun Scott delivers a complete three-part psychological analysis of the Nick Reiner case—examining what was happening in Nick's mind, how the Reiner family became trapped in a 30-year cycle, and why the mental health system failed despite unlimited resources.Nick was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder around 2020. His medication was changed one month before the murders after he complained about weight gain. Sources say he now admits killing his parents but believes his incarceration is a conspiracy. His meds still aren't stabilized.The Reiners had "grown used to" Nick's behavior. They brought him to parties because they were afraid to leave him alone. They paid for 18-plus rehab stays. Michele reportedly said "we've tried everything."Dr. Drew said 30-day programs were "almost meaningless" for Nick. He needed permanent custodial care. Patient autonomy laws let him refuse. The Reiners did everything families are told to do—and it still ended in tragedy. Shavaun explains what went wrong at every level and what other families need to understand.#NickReiner #RobReiner #TrueCrimeToday #MentalHealth #Psychology #FamilyDynamics #ShavaunScott #SystemFailure #SchizoaffectiveJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/tonybpodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This 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.
16 Tammi 59min
Banfield Trial: FBI Behavioral Analyst Robin Dreeke Examines The Accused | What His Actions Really Reveal
True Crime Today brings you an exclusive behavioral analysis of Brendan Banfield from retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke. Dreeke led the FBI's Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program and has spent over three decades reading people. His question for this case: does the prosecution's theory actually make behavioral sense?Brendan Banfield was an IRS criminal investigator — a federal agent who built cases for a living. Prosecutors say he used that expertise to plan an elaborate double murder: creating fake FetLife profiles, luring a stranger to his home, coordinating with his au pair mistress, staging the crime scene as self-defense. But if that's true, why did Banfield leave a framed photo of himself and Juliana on his nightstand for police to find? Why did he call 911 and give a detailed statement?Dreeke breaks down what deception looks like in real time — and whether Banfield's post-offense behavior fits the profile of a calculated killer. He examines the gun purchase prosecutors call premeditation. He analyzes the McDonald's detail where Banfield allegedly waited nearby. He explains what the 911 call should reveal about whether Banfield was telling the truth.The affair is central to the motive theory. But affairs happen constantly without murder. Dreeke identifies the escalation factors that would need to be present for someone to go from infidelity to allegedly orchestrating a double homicide — and whether they appear in this case.This is behavioral analysis you won't hear in the courtroom. Dreeke gives his expert read on what Brendan Banfield's actions actually tell us.#BrendanBanfield #RobinDreeke #TrueCrimeToday #FBI #BehavioralAnalysis #ChristineBanfield #AuPairMurder #MurderTrial #Psychology #DeceptionJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISDOES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/tonybpodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This 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.
16 Tammi 17min
The Reiners Did EVERYTHING Right — Therapist Explains Why the System Still Failed Them
Psychotherapist Shavaun Scott reveals why 18-plus rehab stays, unlimited resources, and decades of intervention couldn't prevent Rob and Michele Reiner's deaths at the hands of their son Nick.The Reiners paid for the best dual-diagnosis treatment facilities in the country. They kept Nick close. They supported him financially. They did everything families are told to do. And still, sources say Nick would stay only 30 days—long enough to detox—then leave before any psychiatric care could take hold. Patient autonomy laws meant he could refuse treatment and walk away.Shavaun breaks down why the private treatment industry fails people with severe mental illness, why doctors reportedly didn't pursue a psychiatric hold during Nick's dangerous medication transition, and what "permanent custodial care" would actually look like for someone with schizoaffective disorder. The Reiners couldn't save their son. Could anyone?#NickReiner #RobReiner #TrueCrimeToday #MentalHealth #Rehab #Treatment #ShavaunScott #SystemFailure #ReinerCaseJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/tonybpodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This 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.
15 Tammi 12min
Madeline Crowley Testifies in Brendan Banfield Trial — The "Au Pair Affair Murder Trial"
Madeline Crowley, Senior DNA Analyst, took the stand in the murder trial of Brendan Banfield, the former IRS agent charged with four counts of aggravated murder in the deaths of his wife Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan. Prosecutors allege Banfield and the family's au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, lured Ryan to their Herndon home through a fetish website and staged the killings as a home invasion.The defense argues digital forensics contradict the catfishing theory and that investigators who disagreed were reassigned. Banfield faces life without parole if convicted. The four-week trial continues in Fairfax County.#TrueCrimeToday #BrendanBanfield #AuPairAffair #MurderTrial #ChristineBanfield #JosephRyan #FairfaxCounty #JulianaMagalhaes #Justice #BreakingJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/tonybpodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This 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.
15 Tammi 12min
