← Back to United States casesPatrick Darda, Jessica Donani, and others Murdered by Gregory Bandar, Deltona, Florida, United States
Case Summary
Patrick Darda, aged 25, was shot and killed at his home in Deltona, Florida, on February 27, 2018. He was engaged to Jessica Donani, who had a previous long-term relationship with Gregory Bandar, a jealous and controlling ex-fiancé who threatened Patrick multiple times. Gregory Bandar was arrested and later convicted of first-degree murder based on evidence including a murder plan notebook, threatening messages, and forensic findings. The police had issued a restraining order against Gregory, but failed to confiscate his weapons, leading to family dissatisfaction with law enforcement. The engagement ring Patrick had ordered was posthumously given to Jessica.
Basic Information
Country: United States
State/Province: Florida, United States
City/Region: Deltona
Incident Type: Murder
Relationship Status: Engaged
Relationship Duration: Approximately 2 months (engagement)
Incident Date: Feb. 27, 2018
Relationship Journey
Relationship Origins:
- Met online / Email / Website
- Friends circle
Relationship Stages:
- Dating
- Engaged
Analysis
Contributing Factors:
- Domestic Conflict
- Suspicion of infidelity
Red Flags:
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Secret affair
- Threats
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Motives:
- Jealousy
- Control/domination
- Eliminate romantic rival
Relationship Outcomes:
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide before marriage
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
People Link Graph
Relationship Journey Graph
Origin
- Met online / Email / Website
- Friends circle
How the relationship or connection began.
Status
- Engaged
Approximately 2 months (engagement)
Stages
- Dating
- Engaged
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Warning Signals
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Secret affair
- Threats
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Pressure Points
- Domestic Conflict
- Suspicion of infidelity
- Jealousy
- Control/domination
- Eliminate romantic rival
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
Incident
2018-02-27
Outcome
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide before marriage
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
Sources
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Patrick Darda, Jessica Donani, and others Murdered by Gregory Bandar, Deltona, Florida, United States
کارآگاه الیت - Iran · Original language: English
View original title
پرونده جنایی پاتریک و سامانتا. رقیب عشقیش رو کشت😨❌
AI Intelligence Assessment
Relationship Pattern
Jealousy
Pattern Analysis
The case centers on jealousy and domestic conflict involving a romantic rival. The victim was engaged to a woman previously involved with the offender, who exhibited controlling and threatening behavior. The offender's inability to accept the breakup and jealousy led to premeditated murder. The police investigation revealed prior threats and a murder plan, culminating in conviction despite lack of direct forensic evidence at the scene.
Investigative Notes
Police investigation included witness interviews, search warrants, and forensic analysis of a murder plan notebook and bullets. The offender was arrested within 48 hours. Trial faced challenges due to lack of murder weapon and direct forensic evidence at the scene. The jury convicted the offender of first-degree murder. Police failure to confiscate weapons despite court orders was a point of family dissatisfaction.
Investigation Confusion
Initial suspect was a neighbor who was in custody at the time of the murder, removing him from suspicion. Lack of murder weapon and forensic evidence at the crime scene complicated the case. Defense attempted to introduce alternative theories, including allegations against the victim's father, but these were dismissed.
Case Reconstruction / Puzzle Pieces
Patrick received a call from a person posing as a delivery agent to lure him home. Upon arrival, he was ambushed and shot four times by Gregory Bandar, who had hidden nearby. The offender had planned the murder as evidenced by a notebook and notes on cleaning up. The victim was found dead by a friend of the family. Police investigation linked the offender through threats, the notebook, and matching bullets found at his home.
Risk Assessment
High risk due to prior threats, escalation of violence, and failure of protective measures. The offender's controlling and jealous behavior, combined with ignored police warnings, increased the likelihood of lethal violence.
Key Takeaways
Jealousy and controlling behavior in relationships can escalate to lethal violence, especially when protective orders are not enforced. Threats and prior violent incidents are critical warning signs. The importance of thorough police follow-up on restraining orders and weapon confiscation is highlighted.
AI Case Q&A
What early signals mattered most?
Repeated threats by Gregory Bandar against Patrick and Jessica, prior violent altercation involving Patrick, and police restraining orders.
Which clues helped connect the case?
Murder plan notebook found by offender's wife, threatening messages, matching bullets found at offender's home, and witness testimony.
Which evidence types appeared strongest?
Physical evidence included the notebook, bullets matching the murder weapon, and forensic fingerprints on incriminating papers. No murder weapon or DNA at the crime scene.
Witness / Eyewitness Statements
Jessica Donani testified about threats and offender's jealousy. Demara Sanchez provided information about the murder plan. Shannon Chamberlain discovered the body and called police. Max Darda and Jessica reported concerns about Patrick's disappearance.
How did follow-up reports change the understanding?
Trial revealed lack of direct forensic evidence and absence of murder weapon, but conviction was achieved based on circumstantial and testimonial evidence. Defense introduced alternative theories, but these were rejected.
What remained unclear?
Exact whereabouts of the murder weapon remain unknown. No eyewitnesses saw the offender at the crime scene. The extent of police negligence in enforcing weapon confiscation remains a concern.