This is the day 2 trial report of the murder trial (expected to last for four weeks) of Brendan Banfield, accused of murdering his wife Christine Banfield and an alleged intruder Joseph Ryan, designed to catch you up with the nucleus of the case efficiently!
Case Report
Factual background:
The case of Commonwealth of Virginia vs. Brendan Banfield centers around Brendan’s plot to kill his wife Christine Banfield with his au pair Julianna Magalhaes. Christine Banfield was a nurse who worked irregular hours. She was married to Brendan Banfield, a federal law-enforcement officer. The couple had children together and resided at 1230 Stablebrooke, Fairfax County, Virginia. Due to Christine’s work schedule, the family hired Julianna Magalhaes, a young au pair, who lived in the home and assisted with childcare.
On 24 February 2023, emergency services were called to the Banfield home. A 911 recording captured Brendan Banfield stating that he was a federal agent and that he had shot a man who had killed his wife. Responding officers found Christine Banfield deceased in the bedroom, partially unclothed and covered in blood. Joseph Ryan, a third party present in the home, was also found deceased. Two firearms were located in the bedroom area, and Brendan Banfield had visible blood on his hands. A child was present in the home and was escorted out by police.
Criminal complaint:
CHARGES:
4 COUNTS OF AGGRAVATED MURDER – PENDING
1 COUNT OF USE OF FIREARM IN THE COMMISSION OF A FELONY – PENDING
1 COUNT OF FELONY CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT – PENDING
1 COUNT OF FELONY CHILD CRUELTY – PENDING
CO CONSPIRATOR JULIANNA MAGALHAES HAS PLEADED GUILTY TO INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER.
Victim(s): Christine Banfield (Deceased), Joseph Ryan (Deceased).
Date Of Murder: 24 February 2023.
Killing Incident Reported: 24 February 2023.
Courthouse: Fairfax County Superior Court, Fairfax County, Virginia.
Officers of the court
Judge:
Attorneys
Prosecution:
Defence:
VA v. Brendan Banfield – Day 2 Trial Summary
Day 2 was entirely devoted to Juliana Magalhaes, and its purpose was credibility excavation rather than fact expansion. No new physical or forensic evidence was introduced. Instead, the defense dismantled the reliability of the prosecution’s central witness by exposing plea leverage, shifting narratives, memory gaps, mental-health struggles, third-party influence, and potential financial/media incentives. The day reframed the case from what allegedly happened to whether Juliana’s version can be trusted.
Witness-by-Witness Summaries
Witness #6 (Continued) – Julianna Magalhaes – Au Pair / Affair Partner, Co-Defendant (Cooperating Witness)
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Central narrative witness alleging motive, planning, execution, and staging.
Only witness alleging premeditation, planning, and orchestration by Brendan Banfield.
Co-defendant who pled guilty to manslaughter and is testifying pursuant to a plea agreement.
Summary Of Testimony
Juliana testified that Brendan instructed her to follow his version of events if arrested. She confirmed pleading guilty to manslaughter and acknowledged strong incentives for cooperation, including reduced incarceration. Through letters written while jailed, she demonstrated prolonged loyalty to Brendan, resistance to cooperating, and willingness to take responsibility for both of them.
On cross-examination, Juliana conceded extensive memory failures, uncertainty over key planning details, and acknowledged outside influences—including her mother, media figures, and potential financial opportunities tied to her story. She admitted withholding information for a long period and attributed inconsistencies to trauma and mental health struggles.
Despite these admissions, Juliana maintained that Brendan was the primary planner and decision-maker, asserting she followed his instructions. On redirect, she portrayed herself as abandoned, facing an uncertain future, and emotionally damaged by the consequences of Brendan’s plan.
Key evidence introduced!
- Guilty plea to manslaughter with sentencing range 1–10 years
- Acknowledged hope for reduced time and later confirmation that the deal involved time-served
- Admission that she initially rejected the plea
- Confirmed plea was signed 28 October 2023
- Multiple letters to:
- Brendan Banfield
- Brendan’s mother
- Other recipients
- Statements expressing:
- Refusal to cooperate
- Willingness to take the blame for both
- Loyalty to Brendan
- Emotional collapse (“I would rather die than live like this”)
- Fear of life imprisonment
- Awareness prosecutors were pushing cooperation
- First-time disclosures of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Medication use (duration and timing unclear)
- Claimed trauma caused memory blocking
- Financial support while incarcerated:
- From Brendan’s family (initially)
- Later from third parties (commissary, family support)
- Contact with:
- Media personnel
- Writers
- Producers discussing potential payments ($10k–$100k)
- Could not remember:
- Where she was when FetLife account was created
- Who typed key FetLife posts on multiple dates
- Whether she was chatting with Christine at relevant times
- Where she was in the house during key moments
Full report below!
Sources:
Case Backgound, Neal Augustein 12 January 2026, Article, Available Online: https://wtop.com/fairfax-county/2026/01/trial-begins-for-va-man-accused-of-conspiring-with-au-pair-in-double-homicide-in-fairfax-co/
LIVE: Au Pair Love Triangle Murder Trial — VA v. Brendan Banfield — Day Two, Law & Crime Trials, Youtube Channel, Livestream, Available Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFK0qIYfBt4
