A Virginia woman, Christine Banfield, and a man, Joseph Ryan, were killed in Christine Banfield's Fairfax County home.
Christine's husband, Brendan Banfield was recently indicted for the murder of his wife.
Brendan is now facing multiple charges, including aggravated murder and the use of a firearm during a felony.
The family's au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, was charged with second-degree murder in Ryan’s death.
What really happened?
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| Christine Banfield |
On the day of the incident, authorities responded to a 911 call placed by Magalhães.
She reported an emergency at the Banfields’ Herndon, Virginia home.
According to court documents, Magalhães initially made two brief 911 calls but didn't say anything.
However in a final call, Brendan Banfield spoke to dispatchers himself.
He claimed he had shot Ryan because Ryan had stabbed his wife, Christine.
When police arrived, they found Ryan dead from gunshot wounds.
Christine was found unresponsive after suffering from multiple stab wounds.
She was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.
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| The Banfields |
The investigation into the deaths of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan revealed a complex scheme.
It involved Christine's husband, Brendan Banfield, and their au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhaes
The prosecution believes that Brendan and Magalhaes were having an affair.
As a result, they conspired to eliminate Christine to start a life together.
Detectives discovered that a fetish sex website was used to lure Ryan to the Banfield home.
They discovered an online profile impersonating Christine.
The fake Christine had arranged a meeting with Ryan under the false pretense of having sex.
This digital evidence, combined with the discovery of Brendan's affair with Magalhaes, led to their arrest and subsequent charges.
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| Juliana Peres Magalhaes |
The case gained significant attention when Magalhães, the Banfields’ au pair, was arrested for her involvement in Ryan’s death.
During her interview, Magalhães told investigators that she and Banfield had left the home that morning, leaving Christine alone.
When they returned, Magalhães claimed they found Ryan threatening Christine with a knife.
She alleged Ryan stabbed Christine before Banfield shot him.
Magalhães admitted to firing a second shot at Ryan with another firearm.
Court records, however, suggest a deeper conspiracy.
Prosecutors allege that Brendan Banfield and Magalhães were involved in a romantic relationship leading up to the murders.
Authorities have revealed that the two visited a gun range together in the months before the killings.
They also say that Brendan Banfield later purchased the gun used in the shooting.
Magalhães faces second-degree murder charges and is scheduled to stand trial in November
At her court hearings, prosecutors questioned her version of events, noting that Ryan was not known to be violent.
They also pointed out that Brendan Banfield and Magalhães continued their romantic relationship even after the killings.
Brendan Banfield faces four counts of aggravated murder and one count of firearm use during the commission of a felony.
Prosecutors explained that while only two people were killed, multiple aggravated murder charges were filed.
This is to ensure all legal avenues were covered when presenting evidence at trial.
Brendan Banfield is currently being held without bail and will be arraigned soon.
Ryan’s mother expressed relief at the charges being brought against Banfield.
She said, “I’m just grateful that justice is moving forward.”
As the legal proceedings continue, authorities are piecing together the full story behind the tragic events of February 2023.
Both Brendan Banfield and Juliana Peres Magalhães are set to face trials.
We hope it will provide answers to many questions about their motives and the full extent of their involvement in the killings.
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In another case, a man has pleaded guilty to the murder of a beloved mother and her 7-year-old daughter.
Click here for more details on that case.
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