A grand jury has indicted 39-year-old Brendan Banfield in the stabbing death of his wife and murder of another man in the couple’s bedroom 19 months after the killing, according to Virginia’s Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office.
Banfield is accused of fatally stabbing 37-year-old Christine Banfield and shooting Joseph Ryan, 38, in February 2023.
Banfield’s charging in the case comes months after the family’s 24-year-old live-in au pair was charged in the case.
“We know Brandon Banfield and Juliana Magalhaes, the family au pair, were involved in a romantic relationship at the time of the murders,” Fairfax Police Chief Kevin Davis said at a press conference Monday.
Evidence photo shows Brendan Banfield and his au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhaes.
Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office
Banfield was indicted on four charges of aggravated murder and one charge for the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is accused of the premeditated murder of the two.
If convicted, he could face a life sentence without the possibility of parole. For the firearm charge, he could face a mandatory minimum of three years.
“The great investigative work of the Fairfax County Police Department led us to new information which was instrumental in securing today’s indictment,” Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano said during the press conference.
Brendan Banfield was indicted by a grand jury for aggravated murder in the February 2023 killings of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan.
WJLA
Investigators would not reveal what new information led to Monday’s arrest.
ABC News has reached out to an attorney for Brendan Banfield for comment.
The Banfield couple were married and living in their family home with their then-4-year-old daughter at the time of the murders.
Police responded to a 911 call from within the home on Feb. 24, 2023, and found Ryan dead in an upstairs bedroom as a result of gunshot wounds. Christine Banfield was found suffering from stab wounds.
Brendan Banfield’s home in Fairfax County, Virginia.
WJLA
She was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead, according to police.
Police said they recovered two firearms and a knife from the home at the time of the murder.
Davis said he would not describe Ryan’s relationship with anyone involved in the case because the investigation remains ongoing.
Police also carried out another search warrant at Banfield’s house on Monday.
Magalhaes was arrested and charged with murder in the death of Ryan in October 2023. She has remained in custody since her arrest, according to police. Her trial is scheduled to begin in November.
The two are being held in the same adult detention center, according to Descano.
In a shocking turn of events, charges have been filed against a man and his au pair in separate murders that occurred months apart. The first incident involved the murder of the man’s wife, while the second incident involved the murder of another man. Both cases have left the community reeling and searching for answers.
The first murder took place several months ago when a woman was found dead in her home. Initially, it was believed to be a tragic accident, but further investigation revealed that the woman’s husband was involved in her death. The man, who had hired an au pair to help care for their children, was arrested and charged with his wife’s murder. It was a shocking revelation for those who knew the couple, as they appeared to have a happy and loving relationship.
Just when the community thought they had come to terms with the first tragedy, news broke of another murder involving the same man and his au pair. This time, a man was found dead in his home, and the au pair was arrested and charged with his murder. The man was also implicated in the crime, leading to further shock and disbelief among those who knew him.
The motives behind these murders remain unclear, leaving many wondering what could have driven these individuals to commit such heinous acts. Some speculate that there may have been underlying tensions or conflicts that led to these violent outbursts, while others are simply at a loss for words.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of these tragic events. Friends and family of the victims are left mourning their loss, while others are left questioning their own safety and security. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of human behavior and the potential for darkness that lies within us all.
In times like these, it is important for communities to come together to support one another and seek justice for those who have been wronged. It is also a reminder to be vigilant and aware of the people we invite into our lives, as sometimes even those closest to us can harbor dark secrets.
As the investigations continue and more details emerge, one thing is certain – these murders have left a lasting impact on all those involved and serve as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life.
