On the morning of February 24, 2023, two separate 911 calls came from a home in Herndon, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C. The first lasted only seconds. The second reported a violent attack inside the home. When first responders arrived, they found 37-year-old Christine Banfield critically injured and 39-year-old Joseph Ryan dead in the primary bedroom. At first, it appeared to be a tragic confrontation involving an intruder. But investigators would eventually uncover a story far more disturbing than anyone imagined. In this episode, Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat examine one of the most shocking and complex recent homicide cases, a case involving deception, digital evidence, secret relationships, and a plan prosecutors described as calculated and deliberate. You’ll hear about the events of February 24, 2023 in Herndon, Virginia, the mysterious online persona that connected Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan, the evidence investigators uncovered from phones, computers, and encrypted messaging platforms, the conflicting accounts of what happened inside the Banfield home, the courtroom battle that followed, and how prosecutors ultimately reconstructed what they believe happened that morning. As investigators dug deeper, they uncovered hidden relationships and secret communications, extensive digital evidence spanning months, contradictions between witness statements and forensic findings, questions surrounding the timeline of the 911 calls, and a case that would lead to multiple criminal convictions. This episode also explores the impact of the case on Christine Banfield’s family and loved ones, Joseph Ryan’s life beyond the headlines, the legal proceedings that followed, and the lasting consequences for a young child caught at the center of it all. Are you a part of Ashley's Summer Watch Challenge? Text "LIFE RULES" to 317-733-7485 to stamp your bingo card. Not apart of Ashley's challenge and want to join? Text "WATCH IT" to 317-733-7485 to join! -------- Follow Crime Junkie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimejunkiepodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrimeJunkiePodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrimeJunkiePod Crime Junkie is created and hosted by Ashley Flowers. About Ashley Flowers Ashley Flowers is the top female podcaster in the U.S. and the host of Crime Junkie, the #1 podcast among women and the #1 true crime podcast globally. As the Founder of Audiochuck, she has built a top-tier podcast production company that has garnered over 2.6 billion downloads, captivating audiences with its gripping storytelling through 10+ chart topping podcasts. Ashley and her team are dedicated to creating responsible true crime content that respects victims and their families. Follow Ashley: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ASHLEYFLOWERS/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ash_flowers TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyflowerscrimejunkie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyflowers.af/ Check out these other great crime channels: @annieelise Anonymous Texts, Soundproof Bedrooms & The Affair Next Door | The Gregory Rice Case https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bOs07a1VvQ @kallmekris You Won't Believe How This Cold Case Was Solved https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8frEUNpHTw @KendallRae A Matching Towel, Missing Gun & Mother’s Testimony: The Case Of Halee Rathgeber https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLjDIVEYOSA&t=1s @christinaarandall These "Women" Aren't What They Seem & It’s SCARY! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MnyZ3qbzmc