Virginia Man Faces Trial in Alleged Double Murder Plot Involving Au Pair

Tue Jan 13 2026 20:20:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Brendan Banfield is charged with aggravated murder in the deaths of his wife Christine and a family friend, Joseph Ryan, in a case that prosecutors believe involves deception to frame another man.

Brendan Banfield's trial begins as he faces charges in a disturbing double murder case from February 2023. Prosecutors allege Banfield conspired with his au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, to stage the murders of his wife and a friend to implicate an unsuspecting stranger. Magalhães has already pleaded guilty to manslaughter, while Banfield maintains his innocence. The trial will examine the evidence and the controversial catfishing theory surrounding the case.

FAIRFAX, Va. (CIVITAS) — A Virginia man, Brendan Banfield, is set to stand trial on Monday for his alleged involvement in a double murder scheme that resulted in the deaths of his wife Christine Banfield and family friend Joseph Ryan. Prosecutors accuse him of orchestrating a plan to frame Ryan for the murders, which occurred at the Banfields’ home in February 2023.

Banfield, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges of aggravated murder, allegedly conspired with the family’s au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, to create a false narrative that would present Ryan as an attack perpetrator. Reports suggest that both Banfield and Magalhães claimed to have witnessed the intrusion and subsequent attack.

However, authorities have countered this narrative, asserting that the couple had a romantic relationship that led them to lure Ryan to the house under false pretenses, ultimately staging the crime scene to make it appear as if they were defending themselves.

Magalhães has already pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter and has provided a statement that allegedly corroborates the prosecution's theory regarding the incident. In her statement, she mentioned their online interaction which included establishing a social media account under Christine Banfield’s name, leading Ryan to believe he was engaging in an encounter involving sexual elements.

Prosecutor Eric Clingan highlighted the complexities of the investigation, indicating that numerous theories were considered by homicide detectives. However, the focus has now shifted significantly towards validating the state’s accusation against Banfield and his au pair.

In his defense, Banfield's attorney John Carroll argued that the forensic evidence presented by the prosecution was inconclusive and hinted at potential procedural biases against Banfield. The trial is expected to not only determine Banfield’s fate regarding the murder charges but also delve into how the Fairfax County Police handled the investigation.

In addition to the murder charges, Banfield also faces allegations of child abuse and felony child cruelty as his daughter was present in the home during the incident. The shocking details surrounding this case have captured public attention, leaving many to anticipate the unfolding trial proceedings.