Fairfax, Virginia — Husband Testifies He Didn’t Conspire to Kill Wife
A Virginia man on trial for the 2023 deaths of his wife and another man took the witness stand Wednesday, firmly denying claims that he plotted the killings in a bid to continue a romantic relationship with his family’s au pair. Brendan Banfield, 40, testified that while he had an affair with the woman, he did not plan or carry out a plot to murder his spouse, Christine Banfield, or Joseph Ryan.
Banfield, clad in a gray suit and plaid tie during testimony in Fairfax County Circuit Court, described his relationship with the au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, as consensual but insisted the affair did not lead to a murder plan. The defendant expressed that he loved his wife and had intended to stay married, directly challenging the prosecution’s narrative.
Prosecutors Allege Lure and Kill Scheme Involving Fake Online Profile
Prosecutors allege that Banfield and Magalhães created a fraudulent account in Christine Banfield’s name on a niche social site to attract Ryan to the couple’s home under false pretenses in February 2023. According to the state’s theory, the two then killed Ryan and Christine, attempting to make it appear Ryan was responsible for stabbing Banfield’s wife.
Magalhães, who faced a murder charge initially but later accepted a plea to manslaughter, testified earlier that she and Banfield plotted to kill Christine so the pair could be together. She detailed plans involving months of communication and setup through the online profile. Banfield’s defense has repeatedly challenged her credibility.
Defense Highlights Relationship Complexities and Challenges Credibility
During cross-examination, Banfield’s attorney attacked Magalhães’ testimony, pointing out inconsistencies in her account. The defense questioned her recollection of who created the online account and the specifics of the messages used to communicate with Ryan. They also highlighted that she negotiated media deals about the case while in custody, raising questions about her motivations.
Banfield also acknowledged that both he and his wife had past infidelities during their 19-year marriage but said they worked through those issues in couples counseling and remained committed to each other until the tragedy. He insisted there was no plan to harm his wife.
