After just two hours of deliberations, a jury in Corner Brook found Justin Paul Campbell guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his grandmother and theft of over $5,000. The jury reached their decision on Friday evening following a two-week trial where more than 20 witnesses testified and various pieces of evidence, such as photos, text messages, and bank records, were presented. Additionally, a recorded statement in which Campbell admitted to killing Eva Banfield was also shared.
Relatives of the victim, including Banfield’s sister and niece, were in court and visibly emotional upon hearing the verdict. They expressed gratitude towards the jury as they exited the courtroom. Campbell had a lengthy conversation with RCMP Cpl. Nichole Park on September 8, 2023, where he claimed that he was instructed by “the devil” to commit the murder.
During the police interview, Campbell described how he fatally attacked Banfield while she was doing dishes after a dinner they shared at their Deer Lake residence. Following the murder, he utilized Banfield’s phone to access her bank account, transferring funds to himself for purchasing drugs. He was also charged with theft exceeding $5,000. Campbell then concealed Banfield’s body near her bed after wrapping it in a blanket.
In his police interview, Campbell referenced drug use as a motive for the crime, claiming he was under the influence of external forces. The prosecution argued that the recorded conversation with police indicated premeditation on Campbell’s part. Conversely, the defense admitted to the murder but contended that it was not premeditated, attributing the act to a sudden impulse.
Justice Thomas Johnson provided the jury with detailed explanations of first and second-degree murder distinctions before they reached their verdict. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 2026.