After a brief two-hour deliberation, a jury in Corner Brook has reached a verdict, finding Justin Paul Campbell guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his grandmother and of stealing over $5,000. The jury began their deliberations on Friday afternoon and concluded around 5:10 p.m.
Throughout the two-week trial, more than 20 witnesses testified, presenting a variety of evidence including photographs, text messages, bank records, and a recorded confession by Campbell to the police admitting to killing Eva Banfield. Banfield’s sister and niece, who were in attendance, expressed relief with tears upon hearing the verdict. Family members thanked the jury as they exited the courtroom.
Campbell engaged in a detailed conversation with RCMP Cpl. Nichole Park on September 8, 2023. In the emotional video accessed by CBC News, Campbell confessed to being instructed by “the devil” to commit the murder. He demonstrated to Cpl. Park how he fatally attacked Banfield while she was occupied with the dishes after a shared dinner, using plastic wrap and a towel to conceal her face.
Following the murder, Campbell exploited Banfield’s phone to access her bank funds, diverting the money for personal use, including purchasing crack cocaine. He faces charges of theft exceeding $5,000. Campbell concealed Banfield’s body near her bed after wrapping it in a blanket.
Campbell cited the influence of “the devil” in his actions during the police interview, where he expressed his need to resort to criminal activities to support his drug habit. The prosecution, led by Crown attorney Brenda Duffy, argued that the video evidence indicated premeditation on Campbell’s part.
In contrast, Campbell’s defense counsel, Jonathan Regan, conceded to his client’s responsibility for Banfield’s death but contended that the murder was not premeditated. Regan argued that Campbell acted on an impulse rather than a calculated plan.
Justice Thomas Johnson elaborated to the jury on the distinctions between first and second-degree murder before their deliberation. First-degree murder entails premeditation, while second-degree murder denotes intent without planning.
The sentencing phase is scheduled for 2026.