FAIRFAX, Va. — A Virginia man, Brendan Banfield, is facing grave charges for the double murder of his wife, Christine Banfield, and an accomplice, Joseph Ryan, in what prosecutors describe as a twisted plot fueled by an affair with the family's au pair.
Banfield, who has pleaded not guilty, could face life imprisonment if found guilty of aggravated murder for the second-degree killings in February 2023. The trial's opening statements revealed an elaborate plan, where Banfield and Juliana Peres Magalhães, the au pair, allegedly used deception on a social media site to set up Ryan for a fatal encounter with Christine.
Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Jenna Sands outlined how the couple, afraid of losing custody of Banfield's four-year-old daughter, manipulated Ryan into coming to their home while Christine was asleep, leading to a tragic series of events involving a knife and gun.
Magalhães has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter in 2024 and is awaiting sentencing, having cooperated with investigators. In contrast, Banfield's defense attorney claims innocence, suggesting Magalhães was coerced into making a deal against his client. He highlighted internal turmoil within the police department regarding the investigation.
Eyewitness accounts relayed the frantic scene at the Banfield residence, with first responders attending to both victims. Testimonies revealed Banfield's distress upon discovering his wife's fate, as he was allegedly seen with blood on his hands and struggling emotionally.
Furthermore, in addition to murder charges, Banfield is also facing child abuse and felony child cruelty charges related to the presence of his daughter during the incident.
