A Virginia man has been indicted in connection with the deaths of his wife and another man at the couple’s Fairfax County home, nearly a year after their au pair was charged in the case, authorities announced Monday.
Brendan Banfield faces an aggravated murder charge for the February 2023 killings of his wife, Christine Banfield, and Joseph Ryan, according to court documents filed in Fairfax Circuit Court. He has also been charged with felony firearm use.
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said during a press conference that Banfield was apprehended while driving in Fairfax County, and his home was being searched on Monday. Banfield’s attorney has not yet commented on the case.
Banfield’s arrest follows nearly a year after Juliana Peres Magalhães, the family’s au pair, was charged with second-degree murder in connection with Ryan’s death. Her trial is scheduled for November.
“The indictment and arrest of Brendan today do not affect our ongoing case against Magalhães,” said Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano. “We fully intend to proceed with that case as planned.”
On the day of the murders, authorities reported that Magalhães made two 911 calls within minutes but disconnected before speaking to first responders. More than 10 minutes later, she placed a final call, during which Brendan Banfield reportedly took the phone and told dispatchers that he had shot a man who had stabbed his wife.
When authorities arrived at the Banfields’ Herndon home, they found Joseph Ryan dead from gunshot wounds and Christine Banfield suffering from stab injuries. She was rushed to the hospital but later died.
According to affidavits, Magalhães told police that she and Brendan had left the house earlier that morning, leaving Christine home alone. Upon returning, they found Ryan holding a knife to Christine’s throat. Magalhães claimed Ryan stabbed Christine, prompting Brendan to shoot him. She also admitted to firing a second shot at Ryan using another firearm.
Authorities suspect the killings were part of a larger scheme between Magalhães and Brendan Banfield, who are believed to have started a romantic relationship months before the incident. During court proceedings, prosecutors questioned Magalhães’ version of events, noting that Ryan was not known to be violent. They also revealed that Magalhães and Brendan continued their relationship after the murders.
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Banfield is expected to be arraigned later this week and is currently being held without bail at the Fairfax County jail.
