Va. husband accused of killing wife, another man almost a year after au pair was charged

The Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office announced Monday, Sept. 16, that Brendan Banfield is being charged with four counts of aggravated murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in connection with the deaths of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan following a 19-month investigation. Prosecutors allege Brendan Banfield fatally stabbed Christine Banfield and shot Ryan on Feb. 24, 2023.

On the morning of Feb. 24, 2023, the Banfields’ au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, called the Fairfax County Police Department and said her friend was “hurt.” Brendan Banfield got on the phone and reportedly said he shot Ryan because he was stabbing his wife. Paramedics and police arrived at the home and found Ryan deceased. Christine Banfield was taken to a local hospital, where she died. In October 2023, Fairfax County Police arrested Magalhães on a charge of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Magalhães and Brendan Banfield were reportedly having an affair, which continued after the killings.

Fairfax County Police Kevin Davis said in the district attorney’s statement, “This much is clear: We have evidence now to allege that Christine Banfield’s life was unlawfully taken and Joseph Ryan’s life was unlawfully taken.”