A Fairfax County jury on Monday found Brendan Banfield guilty of aggravated murder in the February 2023 deaths of his wife, Christine Banfield, and Joseph Ryan at the family’s home in Herndon, Virginia.
Details of the Case
The 12-person jury reached its decision after beginning deliberations midday Friday. Banfield, a former IRS law enforcement officer, was accused of conspiring with his family’s au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, to kill his wife and attempt to frame another individual for the crime.
Prosecutors, led by Jenna Sands, presented evidence suggesting Banfield was in a relationship with Magalhães and that the two devised a plan to eliminate Christine Banfield. Sands stated during closing arguments that Ryan was lured to the residence under false pretenses and subsequently shot, while Christine Banfield was stabbed and left to bleed.
Magalhães testified against Banfield after reaching a plea agreement. She stated that Banfield shot Ryan in the head and that she shot him in the chest. The prosecution alleged that the scene was staged with Christine Banfield’s blood to implicate Ryan.
Defense Arguments
Defense attorney John Carroll argued that the prosecution’s case relied heavily on the testimony of Magalhães, which he characterized as fabricated. Carroll asserted that prosecutors lacked corroborating evidence for their “catfishing” theory and pointed out that Banfield’s DNA was not found on the knife used in the killing.
Carroll also raised questions about Magalhães’ motivations, referencing her discussions with a media company regarding a potential documentary about the case.
Prior to jury deliberation, both the prosecution and defense agreed to present the jury with an all-or-nothing decision on the aggravated murder charges, precluding consideration of lesser homicide charges.
What’s Next?
Banfield now faces a life sentence with no possibility of parole. Judge Penney Azcarate has scheduled sentencing for May 8. It is possible Banfield’s legal team may file for appeals following sentencing, challenging the conviction based on arguments presented during the trial. A post-conviction review could examine whether sufficient evidence was presented to support the jury’s verdict.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges was Brendan Banfield convicted of?
Brendan Banfield was found guilty of two counts of aggravated murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and child endangerment.
Who testified against Brendan Banfield?
Juliana Peres Magalhães, the family’s au pair, testified against Banfield after entering into a plea agreement with prosecutors.
What was the defense’s main argument?
The defense argued that the prosecution’s case was based solely on the testimony of Juliana Magalhães, which they claimed was fabricated, and that there was a lack of physical evidence linking Banfield to the crime.
How might the motivations of witnesses impact the public’s perception of justice in this case?
