Opening statements begin this week in the trial of former IRS agent Brendan Banfield, accused of orchestrating the February 2023 killings of his wife and a visitor at the family home in Herndon, Virginia. Prosecutors allege Banfield and then-au pair Juliana Peres Magalhães lured the visitor and staged the scene to look like self-defense; Magalhães has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and is expected to testify. Banfield has pleaded not guilty and, if convicted, faces the possibility of life in prison. The trial is scheduled to run about four weeks, with court in session Monday–Thursday at 10 a.m.
Trial Opens for Ex-IRS Agent Accused of Orchestrating Herndon Double Murder; Au Pair Set to Testify
Affluent Virginia suburb rocked as trial begins for ex-federal agent husband in nanny love-triangle murders
Opening statements are scheduled to begin this week in the high-profile trial of Brendan Banfield, a former IRS special agent accused of arranging the February 2023 murders of his wife, Christine Banfield, and a visitor, Joseph Ryan, at the couple's home in Herndon, Virginia.
Jury Selection and Charges
Twelve jurors and four alternates were seated Monday as the case moved forward, court officials and local media reported. Banfield faces charges of aggravated murder in connection with the deaths.
A framed photo of Brendan Banfield and Juliana Magalhaes and the mistress' lingerie were found in the room where the double homicide occurred, according to prosecutors.
What Prosecutors Allege
Prosecutors contend that Banfield and then-22-year-old au pair Juliana Peres Magalhães, a Brazilian national who was living with the family, lured Ryan to the Herndon residence and staged the scene to appear as an act of self-defense. Authorities say investigators recovered a knife and two firearms at the home.
"It is a theory in search of facts rather than a series of facts supporting a theory," Banfield’s attorney, John Carroll, has said in defense of his client.
Scene and Immediate Aftermath
When officers responded to a 911 call in February 2023, they found Christine with stab wounds to the neck and Ryan suffering fatal gunshot wounds in an upstairs bedroom. Christine was transported to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead, Fairfax County police officials said.
Fairfax County police initially responded to the double homicide in the 13200 block of Stable Brook Way in Herndon on Feb. 24, 2023.
Plea, Testimony and Potential Sentence
Magalhães pleaded guilty to manslaughter in late 2024 and is expected to testify for the prosecution, offering a firsthand account of prosecutors' version of the events. Banfield has pleaded not guilty. If convicted on aggravated murder charges, he faces the possibility of life in prison.
Trial Logistics and Reporting
The trial is expected to last about four weeks, with court sessions beginning at 10 a.m., Monday through Thursday, according to court administrators. Reporting on the case has included coverage from Fox News Digital and The Associated Press.
Note: The allegations include references to online accounts and communications investigators say played a role in the events under review; those details are expected to be examined further during trial testimony and evidence presentation.
Help us improve.
