Virginia Man Indicted for Double Homicide Plot

Brendan Banfield has been indicted on charges of aggravated murder and felony firearm use in the February 2023 killings of his wife, Christine Banfield, and another man, Joseph Ryan, at their home in Fairfax County, Virginia. The indictment comes nearly a year after the family's au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, was charged with second-degree murder in connection with Ryan's death. Authorities allege that Banfield and Magalhães, who were involved in an extramarital affair, plotted the murders. Initially, Banfield claimed Ryan had broken into the home and he shot Ryan in self-defense after Ryan stabbed his wife. Both Banfield and Magalhães made 911 calls on the day of the incident. Banfield's trial is set for February 3, 2024, although the date could change.