The Murder of Brianna Armstrong

Written By Kiley Baumgartner

For this case, I watched an episode of The Killer Beside Me. It’s season 3 episode 3, titled ‘Pressure Point.’

A search for a massage therapist begins after she didn’t show up for work.

Background

Brianna Armstrong was 43-years-old at the time of her disappearance. She was employed as a massage therapist at a day spa called Knuckles ‘N’ Knots, which is now closed.

Brianna was divorced twice, but had recently began dating a new man, who had once worked at Knuckles ‘N’ Knots. She kept the relationship a secret, but had said she was very happy about the new man in her life.

Brianna was described as funny, kind and caring. She had a real passion for her work. She was also a registered nurse, and just wanted to help people.

Brianna Armstrong

The Disappearance

On Friday, May 8, 2015, the desk attendant at Knuckles ‘N’ Knots notified the employees that Brianna hadn’t shown up. It was unusual because Brianna was very reliable, and she had confirmed the night before about being in early.

The general manager, Mark Harris, tried contacting Brianna, but there was no answer. Brianna’s ex-husband contacted everyone Brianna knew, and said he last saw her on May 7.

Brianna’s ex-husband filed a missing persons report on May 9.

Brianna’s Last Steps

The police’s first theory was that Brianna had decided to leave the area. However, her good friend Rachel, said she would’ve never left her cats.

The police began their investigation. They spoke with her ex-husband, who said that Brianna had told him that she was going to go to a friend’s named Kim. The police couldn’t find anyone named Kim that lived in the area that Brianna had described.

On May 13, 2015, a car was found in a shopping center in Virginia Beach. It was identified as Brianna’s car. Her keys, phone, shoes, purse, wallet, and a necklace that Brianna always wore were inside the car.

The police searched through Brianna’s phone. Her last call was made on May 7 at 8:40pm. The police also dialed the phone number belonging to Kim. A man named Justin Cornell answered the call.

Justin was the former employee at Knuckles ‘N’ Knots, and the man many believed had been dating Brianna. Brianna’s managers said Justin had attendance issues while he was working there, and had to be let go. He had also lashed out at Mark, the GM, when he promoted a front desk agent instead of him.

The shopping center where Brianna’s car was found was just adjacent to Justin’s apartment complex.

A Horrific Discovery

On Sunday, May 31, 2015, a cyclist spotted some suspicious trash bags in the Great Dismal Swamp.

There was a horrific smell in the area, and a bone had been sticking out of one of the bags. They were the human remains of Brianna Armstrong, she was positively identified by her dental records.

Brianna’s final moments were horrific. She had been dismembered, and her breasts had been removed. It was obvious that the killer had spent a lot of time with her. The police believe Brianna was kept for several weeks before she was dumped.

A Mountain of Evidence

The police were able to eliminate Brianna’s ex-husband as a suspect. Next, they went to the home of Justin Cornell. Similar trash bags had been found under his sink. Justin also had several edged weapons lying, and displayed around his house. Justin told the police that he had a fascination with weapons. He was also very knowledgeable about many subjects, such as anatomies.

The police questioned Justin about the new flooring that had been done in his home. He told them that the old flooring had been coming up, so he replaced it.

Some personal trash had been collected with Brianna’s remains. Some paper work had been found with Justin’s name and address on it. Justin’s underwear with his DNA on it was also found. Justin told the police that someone from his apartment complex must have taken his trash to frame him. A fake Christmas tree needle was also found wrapped in a paper towel.

The police used luminol in Justin’s home. It lit up the bathroom. Blood had been found on the floor, in the bathtub, and in the hallway outside of the bathroom. It was obvious that Justin had replaced the flooring to try to cover up his crime.

The Conviction

Justin Cornell was arrested on Tuesday, June 9, 2015.

There was footage on the news of Justin being taken to the police car, and of several bags of evidence being taken from his home.

Justin’s trial began on May 16, 2016. He was found guilty on May 27, and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

The reasons to why Justin killed Brianna are unknown. Some of her co-workers speculate that Justin just wanted to kill someone. It was believed that the two had a relationship, but Brianna had never named him as her boyfriend.

Justin Cornell

Kiley Baumgartner
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