This is the day 9 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 9 Trial Summary
Day 9 completed the defense case and the Commonwealth’s rebuttal, centering on the defendant’s full narrative of the incident, limited forensic audio testimony, and brief workplace-context evidence. The day was less about introducing new physical proof and more about credibility, motive, and narrative alignment. By the end of the day, the court narrowed the charges, dismissed Counts 1 and 2, and sent the case toward jury resolution on a reduced set of issues.
Witness-by-Witness Summaries
Witness #32 — Brendan Banfield – Defendant (Defense Witness)
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Defendant charged with murder; primary first-person witness to the events inside the home on 24 February 2023.
Summary Of Testimony
Banfield testified that the encounter was sudden, chaotic, and defensive, not planned. He framed the shooting as defense of others, denied conspiring with Juliana, and denied killing Christine to be with her. He acknowledged infidelity and emotional complexity but portrayed the events as an unplanned confrontation escalating in seconds.
Key Evidence Introduced (Including Oral)
- Detailed oral account of discovering Joseph Ryan in the master bedroom with Christine.
- Testimony describing:
- Sounds he believed were consensual sex.
- Christine warning him that Ryan had a knife.
- Verbal exchange ordering Ryan to drop the knife.
- A perceived downward stabbing motion prompting him to fire.
- Statements about:
- Attempted CPR and concern Christine would choke on blood.
- 911 calls and Juliana’s delayed response.
- Window replacement purchases made before any affair.
- Planned trips and vacation planning with Christine.
- Sexual difficulties, FetLife use, and affairs.
- Lack of semen or Ryan’s DNA on Christine’s genitalia.
Witness #31 — Nick Barreiro – Forensic Audio-Visual Analyst (Defense, Recalled)
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Defense expert analyzing audio from the 911 call.
Summary Of Testimony
Barreiro testified that sounds on the 911 recording could have been human-generated, but acknowledged that he did not receive additional audio samples, limiting his conclusions. No new findings beyond his earlier testimony were introduced.
Key Evidence Introduced (Including Oral)
- Oral testimony establishing:
- Testimony regarding review of the 911 audio recording.
- Explanation of methodology for identifying sounds in audio evidence.
Witness #33 — Detective Stephen Augustine – Forensic Audio Analyst (State)
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
State forensic audio expert responding to the defense’s audio analysis.
Summary Of Testimony
Augustine testified that his role was limited to spectrographic commentary. He did not prepare a written report and offered no independent conclusions beyond technical observations.
Key Evidence Introduced (Including Oral)
- Oral testimony establishing:
- He conducted a spectrographic review of the same audio examined by Barreiro.
- Confirmation that he was asked only to comment on the spectrogram.
Witness #34 — Thomas Patrick Smith – IRS Criminal Investigation
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Workplace contact providing context for Banfield’s professional obligations.
Summary Of Testimony
Smith testified that Banfield had no work-related obligation that morning and that Smith had no contemporaneous contact with him. He clarified he was out of state during related investigative interviews.
Key Evidence Introduced (Including Oral)
- Oral testimony establishing:
- No meeting was scheduled on 24 February 2023.
- He did not speak with Banfield that morning.
- He was surprised to learn Banfield had discharged a weapon and people had died.
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 Nine, Law & Crime Trials, Youtube Channel, Livestream, Available Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFK0qIYfBt4
