Who is Lying? The Battle for Truth in the Brendan Banfield Murder Trial Closings | Case Brief

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/5h28riptlXQ  Day 11 of the Brendan Banfield trial ended with a Verdict of the murder of his wife, Christine Banfield, and Joseph Ryan! Was the Prosecution able to successfully argue for aggravated murder on two theories: the murders were part of the same act/transaction and were two murders within a three-year period, resulting in a life without parole sentence? Did the initial strategy to arrest Juliana Magalhães as an accomplice and the cooperation deal that resulted in her facing up to 10 years in prison pay off? Don't miss the full breakdown of how this trial concluded and what's next for Brendan and Juliana. RESOURCES Brendan Banfield Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gJb4sr2pUz0DBmbgee_wMs9  Brendan Banfield Trial Case Briefs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH62KmcADDEwU_PMD6z6QGdsz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/WYZK6WlN5pU  Catch up on the explosive closing arguments in the highly-anticipated Brendan Banfield murder trial. Both the Commonwealth and the Defense present their final, impassioned pleas to the jury on the charges of Aggravated Murder, Use of a Firearm in Commission of Murder, and Child Endangerment. We break down the closing styles, the Commonwealth's powerful rebuttal urging the jury to "rely on your memory," and a discussion of the core question the jury must answer: Was Joe Ryan lured and set up, or was Brendan horrified by what he saw and acting in self-defense? RESOURCES Brendan Banfield Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gJb4sr2pUz0DBmbgee_wMs9  Brendan Banfield Trial Case Briefs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH62KmcADDEwU_PMD6z6QGdsz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/OvVQ01BPscE  Day 9 of the Brendan Banfield trial delivers shocking testimony as the defendant, Brendan Banfield, takes the stand in his own defense. Banfield attempts to argue a "defense of others" or "heat of passion" defense, claiming he shot Joseph Ryan to protect his wife, Christine Banfield. However, his story quickly unravels under cross-examination. Banfield attempts to paint a picture of a loving marriage while simultaneously "flexing" about his numerous affairs, showing less emotion for his deceased wife than for his McDonald's app. Banfield delivers a disastrous last line in his direct examination, leaving the jury stunned. The defense rests, motions to dismiss are denied, and the case is heading to closing arguments. Watch now to hear every detail from this pivotal day in court! RESOURCES Brendan Banfield Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gJb4sr2pUz0DBmbgee_wMs9  Brendan Banfield Trial Case Briefs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH62KmcADDEwU_PMD6z6QGdsz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/9p4bF0xQOUs  Day 8 of the Brendan Banfield trial resumed with the defense continuing their case, recalling an expert witness and then delivering the highly anticipated testimony of the defendant himself, Brendan Banfield. He detailed the beginning of his physical affair with codefendant Juliana in August 2022, which started while his wife, Christine, and daughter were away. He also discussed his history of "lots of affairs." The defense broke for the day right as the defendant was discussing driving back to the home. Stay tuned for the continuation of Brendan Banfield's testimony and cross-examination! RESOURCES Brendan Banfield Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gJb4sr2pUz0DBmbgee_wMs9  Brendan Banfield Trial Case Briefs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH62KmcADDEwU_PMD6z6QGdsz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/9p4bF0xQOUs  Day 7 of the Brendan Banfield trial has frustrating, extended testimony of the defense's digital forensics expert, Harry Lidsky, and the shocking interruptions that took place in court. Harry Lidsky continues their testimony, arguing that "catfishing did not occur" and asserting that Christine Banfield "never lost control of her devices," attempting to merge user activity from her laptop and phone. The prosecution raises multiple objections regarding the lack of foundation for the defense's exhibits, including map plot points and unlabeled screens, which the expert admitted were difficult to follow. Hear the judge express frustration with the lack of organization from the defense counsel, issuing a firm order that all exhibits must be pre-numbered and provided in separate electronic files moving forward. RESOURCES Brendan Banfield Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gJb4sr2pUz0DBmbgee_wMs9  Brendan Banfield Trial Case Briefs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH62KmcADDEwU_PMD6z6QGdsz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Use code emily at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/emily   Thanks to Incogni for sponsoring this video. Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Wt5YNCp51Y8  Day 6 of the Brendan Banfield trial was one of the most painful yet, as the defense struggled with organization, but it brought some massive revelations! Homicide investigators and digital forensics experts took the stand, revealing internal conflicts within law enforcement and providing powerful corroboration for the prosecution's case. The victim advocate's recalled testimony revealed a "red flag" moment hours after the murder: Christine's four-year-old daughter, Valerie, asking Juliana, "Can I call you mommy now? Are you going to marry my daddy?" to which Juliana replied, "I wish." Find out what else the defense stepped into that only helped the prosecution! RESOURCES Brendan Banfield Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gJb4sr2pUz0DBmbgee_wMs9  Brendan Banfield Trial Case Briefs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH62KmcADDEwU_PMD6z6QGdsz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Use code emily at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/emily  Thanks to Incogni for sponsoring this video. Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/ZmqBhDcTt18  Day 5 of the Brendan Banfield Trial begins with the defense case in chief finally kicks off, but it's a clunky start! Their presentation struggles, highlighted by the dramatic body cam footage of the defendant's emotional reaction to being told his wife had died. Plus, witness testimony becomes a trainwreck when the defense fails to properly admit their digital forensic expert's foundational report into evidence—leading to a chaotic recess. Detective Miller is recalled to the stand and clarifies his digital forensics summary. While his original report suggested the victim was using her devices, he now acknowledges that new context (the codefendant's admission) means he "can't say" it was Christine Banfield herself behind the screen. RESOURCES Brendan Banfield Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gJb4sr2pUz0DBmbgee_wMs9  Brendan Banfield Trial Case Briefs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH62KmcADDEwU_PMD6z6QGdsz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Try Gusto today at https://gusto.com/lawnerd and get three months free when you run your first payroll. Get $10 off at BRUNT with code LAWNERD at https://bruntworkwear.com/LAWNERD #Bruntpod #ad Welcome back, Law Nerds! We have a packed criminal docket to discuss, with major developments in three high-profile cases. Michael McKee has been extradited to Ohio and arraigned on the indictment, which includes four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary. Updates from the trial of Brendan Banfield, accused of the murder of his wife and Joseph Ryan. The biggest bombshell? The defense attorney confirms the defendant is going to testify! An arrest has been made in the investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas. David’s friend, Twitch streamer Neo Langston, was arrested in Montana for failing to appear as a subpoenaed witness before the grand jury. Don't miss a single update! RESOURCES Brendan Banfield Trial - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gJb4sr2pUz0DBmbgee_wMs9 Michael McKee Indicted - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtdb3hXQjrM Depp v. Heard Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gLVeg1x2AInDBfPU6-ffnD0 TMZ Report - https://www.tmz.com/2026/01/24/neo-langston-arrested-at-mom-house-montana-d4vd-friend/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/arN3IsdnwRM  We're back in court to condense the most critical testimony from days three and four of the Brendan Banfield murder trial into one episode! The prosecution hinges its case on the physical evidence, and this episode dives deep into the complex forensic findings and witness accounts that shaped the week. The powerful testimony from Christine's father about her lifelong blood disorder (easy bruising, nosebleeds), and how this shocking detail impacts the defense's argument regarding her alleged activities on the Fetlife site. The prosecution's case is now complete, and its weight rests heavily on the credibility of the co-defendant, Juliana Peres Magalhães. Do you believe her story? RESOURCES Brendan Banfield Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gJb4sr2pUz0DBmbgee_wMs9  Brendan Banfield Trial Case Briefs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH62KmcADDEwU_PMD6z6QGdsz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sign up for your $1/month trial and start selling today at https://shopify.com/lawnerd  Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/JJSQ_gojOt8  Day 2 of the Brendan Banfield trial brought the critical testimony and cross-examination of co-defendant Juliana Peres Magalhães (the au pair) to a close. We break down the specifics of Juliana's plea agreement, including the reduced charge to voluntary manslaughter (max 10 years) and the prosecution's recommendation of "time served" contingent on her continued cooperation. The judge, however, has the final say. The defense revealed that Brendan Banfield's mother paid for Juliana's attorney until she signed the plea deal—a key detail suggesting pressure and raising questions of ethical conflict. RESOURCES Brendan Banfield Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gJb4sr2pUz0DBmbgee_wMs9  Brendan Banfield Trial Case Briefs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH62KmcADDEwU_PMD6z6QGdsz  Alex Murdaugh Trial - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gK8GOeWkGfi7acMnT-D0zaw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices