Brendan Banfield grew emotional in court as jurors watched police body-worn camera footage from the Feb. 2023 deaths of his wife, Christine Banfield, and Joseph Ryan in Herndon, Virginia. Prosecutors say Banfield arranged the killings to conceal an affair with the family’s au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, who pleaded guilty and testified against him. The defense challenges forensic evidence and Magalhães’ credibility; a judge denied a motion to dismiss and the trial remains underway in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Husband Becomes Emotional as Police Bodycam Footage Is Played in Herndon Double-Murder Trial
Brendan Banfield is facing trial for his alleged involvement in the deaths of his wife, Christine, and Joseph Ryan.(Fox News)
Brendan Banfield appeared visibly emotional in Fairfax County Circuit Court as jurors watched police body-worn camera footage from the night his wife was killed. The bodycam playback, shown Wednesday, captured officers' on-scene response after the Feb. 2023 deaths of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan.
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.
Courtroom Playback and Reaction
Detective Zachary Beckner returned to the stand during the defense's case to describe the recordings captured by responding officers. As the footage played, Banfield shook his head, sniffled and wiped away tears with tissues while remaining silent. The video showed officers' arrival and actions at the Herndon home where Christine Banfield was found stabbed and Ryan was found dead.
Juliana Peres Magalhães in new police bodycam video calling Brendan Banfield her "husband."
Charges and Allegations
Banfield is charged with aggravated murder in the February 2023 killings. Prosecutors allege he orchestrated the murders to conceal an affair with the family’s au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães. Banfield has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecution's Case
The prosecution rested after presenting testimony that relied heavily on Magalhães, who pleaded guilty to her role under a deal and testified against Banfield. She told jurors she had a sexual relationship with Banfield and said they conspired to kill Christine and to make Ryan’s death look like a consensual encounter gone wrong. Magalhães testified that Banfield directed planning, created an online profile using his wife’s credentials, and that he ultimately stabbed Christine after shooting Ryan.
Defense Strategy
Defense attorneys have attacked Magalhães' credibility and argue the state’s evidence is inconsistent. They have also sought to challenge forensic evidence presented by the prosecution. After the prosecution rested, the defense asked the judge to dismiss the charges, asserting the state failed to tie Banfield directly to the killings; the judge denied that motion and the trial continues.
Where the case stands: The trial is ongoing in Fairfax County Circuit Court, with jurors hearing the defense’s presentation following the prosecution’s case.
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