Man indicted for wife’s stabbing, lover’s murder in Virginia
19 months after killings, Banfield faces indictment for murder
A grand jury has indicted Brendan Banfield, 39, for the stabbing death of his wife and the murder of another man in their bedroom. This indictment comes 19 months after the incident, as announced by the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office in Virginia.
Banfield allegedly stabbed his wife, Christine Banfield, 37, and shot Joseph Ryan, 38, in February 2023. The indictment follows the charging of the family’s 24-year-old live-in au pair months earlier.
Fairfax Police Chief Kevin Davis confirmed in a Monday press conference that Brendan Banfield and the au pair, Juliana Magalhaes, were engaged in a romantic relationship during the time of the murders.
Brendan Banfield, 39, of Reston, is charged w/ four counts of Aggravated Murder in connection to last year’s “Au Pair double murder” in Fairfax County, VA. Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan were found killed inside of the Stable Brook Way home on Feb 25. pic.twitter.com/TxKrTNT8ps
— DMV News Live (@DCNewsLive) September 17, 2024
Banfield faces four charges of aggravated murder and one charge of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is accused of premeditated murder of both victims. If found guilty, Banfield could receive a life sentence without parole. The firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum of three years. He is currently held without bail.
Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano praised the Fairfax County Police Department’s investigative efforts, which uncovered new information leading to the indictment. However, investigators did not disclose what new evidence prompted the arrest.
The Banfields were living with their 4-year-old daughter at the time of the murders. Police responded to a 911 call on 24 February 2023, finding Ryan dead from gunshot wounds in an upstairs bedroom. Christine Banfield, who had been stabbed, was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Two firearms and a knife were recovered from the home during the initial investigation. Another search warrant was executed at Banfield’s residence on Monday. Magalhaes remains in custody with her trial set for November. Both she and Banfield are held in the same adult detention center.
What Other Media Are Saying
- FOX 5 DC reports on Brendan Banfield’s indictment for the double homicide of his wife and another man, highlighting a complex case involving an affair and digital evidence. (Read more)
- CBS News reports on Brendan Banfield, indicted for aggravated murder and felony firearm use in a 2023 Virginia double homicide, with authorities seeking to proceed with the original au pair’s trial despite new charges. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who has been indicted in the Fairfax County murder case?
Brendan Banfield, 39, has been indicted for the murders.
What are the charges against Brendan Banfield?
Banfield faces four charges of aggravated murder and one firearm charge.
When did the murders occur?
The murders occurred in February 2023.
Who else has been charged in connection to the murders?
The family’s au pair, Juliana Magalhaes, has also been charged.
What could be Brendan Banfield’s potential sentence if convicted?
Banfield could face life without parole and a mandatory minimum of three years for the firearm charge.
