Brendan Banfield denies plot in Virginia double-murder trial

Brendan Banfield, a former IRS criminal-division agent, denied that he plotted the killings involving his family’s au pair during testimony this week at his double-murder trial in Virginia, calling the accusations “absolutely crazy.” Prosecutors say Mr. Banfield, 40, stabbed his wife, Christine Banfield, 37, and then shot Joseph Ryan, 38, after luring Mr.

Ryan to the couple’s home in Herndon, Va., in an alleged scheme tied to a fetish website. Mr. Banfield has been charged with aggravated murder and faces a possible life sentence if convicted. The au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, testified that she helped Mr. Banfield pose as his wife on the website to arrange Mr.

Ryan’s visit, and that the plan involved weeks of preparation, including checking for doorbell cameras and soundproofing windows. Ms. Magalhães pleaded guilty to manslaughter in exchange for testifying and is also accused of shooting Mr. Ryan on Feb. 24, 2023. Mr. Banfield testified that he loved his wife and said Mr.

Ryan fatally stabbed her despite Mr. Banfield’s attempts to save her. He described opening his bedroom door to find Ms. Banfield nude and Mr. Ryan clothed, identifying himself as “police,” and then firing at Mr. Ryan after he appeared to be holding a knife. Mr. Banfield said he helped apply pressure to his wife’s wound and that Ms.

brendan banfield, juliana peres magalhães, christine banfield, joseph ryan, herndon virginia, double-murder trial, former irs agent, aggravated murder charge, manslaughter plea, fetish website account, checking doorbell cameras, soundproofing windows, possible life sentence