Crime Junkie

Snapshot · Crime Junkie

MURDERED: Christine Banfield & Joseph Ryan

Explore episode Jun 29, 2026

Where this was said

Blood Pattern Evidence and the Decision to Charge

At 37:51 · chapter starts 37:50

The forensic evidence that finally cracks the case wide open is blood. Joe Ryan's bloodstains are small, round, and vertical — consistent with someone lying motionless as blood drips down. Brendan's clothing is covered in elongated, chaotic spatters — the marks of someone actively moving through blood in motion. The story the blood tells points to Brendan as the stabber. When testing confirms the pattern, prosecutors finally have something solid. In October 2023, Juliana is arrested for Joe Ryan's murder — specifically the second, fatal shot, which she had admitted Joe was incapacitated before she fired. The discovery of Christine's erasure from the home during the arrest search only reinforces investigators' conviction. Juliana, initially steadfast in her loyalty, remains silent.

Similar snapshots