A Virginia jury convicted Brendan Banfield, a former Internal Revenue Service agent, of two counts of aggravated murder. The case involved the deaths of his wife and a stranger. Prosecutors argued that Banfield orchestrated the killings to pursue his affair with the family’s au pair.
Discovery at the Crime Scene
Police responded to a 911 call at the Banfield residence in Herndon, Virginia, on February 24, 2023. They found Christine Banfield with multiple stab wounds in an upstairs bedroom. Joseph Ryan suffered fatal gunshot wounds nearby. Investigators observed that the scene seemed staged, with Ryan’s body moved after death and inconsistent blood patterns.
Additionally authorities discovered a backpack belonging to Ryan. It contained a knife, restraints, chains, and lubricant. These items suggested a planned sexual encounter. The Banfields’ young daughter stayed in the home during the events, which led to child endangerment charges against Banfield.
Development of the Affair and Alleged Plot
Brendan Banfield began an affair with Juliana Peres Magalhães, the family’s Brazilian au pair, in August 2022. The relationship grew over several months. Prosecutors claimed Banfield and Magalhães plotted to kill Christine Banfield to avoid divorce costs and continue their romance freely.
They alleged the pair created a fake profile on FetLife, a fetish website, using Christine’s devices. The profile, named Anastasia 9, impersonated Christine and solicited men for violent fantasy scenarios with knives and bondage. Ryan responded and arrived at the home that morning.
Meanwhile Magalhães waited outside in her car and monitored the situation. She called Banfield, who lingered at a nearby McDonald’s. Banfield returned, shot Ryan, and stabbed Christine multiple times in the neck. Magalhães then fired a second shot at Ryan.
Testimonies from Key Witnesses
Juliana Peres Magalhães testified against Banfield after she pleaded guilty to manslaughter in Ryan’s death. She described the scheme in detail. “Brendan wanted her out of the picture,” Magalhães said about Christine.
She added that Banfield considered hiring a hitman but opted for the FetLife plan instead. “Brendan would be the hero of the day. He would show up, kill the guy, kill his wife, pretending that it had been that guy,” she testified.
However defense attorneys challenged her reliability. They highlighted inconsistencies and her plea deal benefits. Magalhães read from jailhouse letters she sent to Banfield. “I don’t want to live like this,” she wrote in one letter dated November 14, 2023. “I just don’t want to feel this way anymore,” she added in the same correspondence.
Brendan Banfield defended himself on the stand. He denied any conspiracy. “That is absolutely crazy,” Banfield said about the alleged plot to murder his wife. He claimed he found Ryan attacking Christine.
“Brendan, he has a knife,” Christine cried out, according to Banfield. He admitted the affair but insisted it did not lead to murder. “I was definitely in love with her,” he said about Magalhães.
Furthermore Banfield described Christine’s final moments. He said she apologized after the stabbing. “I’m sorry,” Christine told him, despite her severe neck wounds, Banfield testified.
Deirdre Fisher, Ryan’s mother, spoke about her son. She portrayed his involvement as a consensual role play. Fisher expressed devastation. “He expected no real violence,” she said in her statement.
Presentation of Evidence
Forensic experts analyzed digital records. The FetLife profile traced back to Christine’s devices, but usage suggested Banfield’s involvement. Phone logs showed Magalhães contacted Banfield before the shootings. Video footage confirmed Banfield’s presence at McDonald’s earlier.
