A Virginia man was convicted Monday in connection with the murders of his wife and a man who prosecutors allege was brought to the scene as a scapegoat for a premeditated attack. Brendan Banfield, previously an IRS law enforcement officer, claimed he discovered Joseph Ryan attacking his wife, Christine Banfield, with a knife earlier this year before shooting Ryan. However, prosecutors argue that the narrative was fabricated, suggesting that Banfield masterminded a plot to kill his wife, aided by the family's au pair, Juliana Magalhães.
Testifying against Banfield, Magalhães revealed their ongoing affair and admitted to a manslaughter plea in a deal with prosecutors. The pair allegedly used a fetish website to lure Ryan to their home under false pretenses. In court, her statements detailed how they impersonated Christine on social media to facilitate the fatal encounter. Notably, she described a staged scene intended to look like an attempted home invasion.
Banfield's defense attorney, John Carroll, raised doubts about Magalhães' reliability, arguing her cooperation with the state was aimed at leniency. Banfield himself branded the accusations against him as ludicrous and maintained his innocence throughout the trial. He expressed disbelief at the prosecution's portrayal of events.
As the trial progressed, Carroll introduced evidence highlighting internal disputes within the police regarding the investigation, particularly questioning the narrative pushed by higher-ups. In closing arguments, prosecutor Jenna Sands presented the jury with a range of evidence that pointed toward Banfield’s culpability, aside from the testimony of Magalhães. The case was further complicated by blood analysis and the contradictory statements made by the witnesses.
The jury deliberated for nearly nine hours over two days, ultimately finding Banfield guilty. He now faces the prospect of life in prison when sentenced. Magalhães is set for sentencing later, with speculations that her time served could lead to her release.
