HERNDON, Va. — Brendan Banfield, a Virginia man accused of killing his wife Christine Banfield and another man, Joseph Ryan, is scheduled to appear in court Thursday.
Banfield was indicted by a grand jury on aggravated murder charges related to the February 2023 deaths at their Herndon home. He claims that Ryan broke into the house and attacked his wife, prompting Banfield to shoot Ryan in self-defense.
However, investigators allege the killings were connected to a broader scheme involving the family’s au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães. Banfield reportedly began a romantic relationship with Magalhães in August 2022.
While Banfield’s trial is set for October, Magalhães pleaded guilty to manslaughter last year and is scheduled for sentencing in December. The case continues to draw attention as it unfolds in court.
