Investigators: 20-year-old may have put up a fight

Sunday Newsday understands one of the two suspects detained following the discovery of Banfield’s body, on Thursday, had unexplained scratches about his body indicating to investigators Banfield may have tried to defend herself before she died.

Sources also said pathologist Dr Hughvon des Vignes also found broken skin under her fingernails in his first autopsy on Friday, but had deemed his findings inconclusive.

A second autopsy is expected to be done, as well as DNA tests of the broken skin and on other swabs taken from her body and the crime scene.

The clothing of the suspects, who are in their 20s and 30s, may also prove useful to the investigation, sources said.

The Director of Public of Prosecutions is expected to be approached today for further directions in the case.

Banfield was reported missing by her family last Monday, after her last call to her mother indicated she was on her way to their Santa Cruz home having done some shopping at Pennywise and the IAM store.

It is believed Banfield asked to use the bathroom of the store where he body was found hidden under cardboard boxes three days later.