This week, shocking details emerged in the case of a Virginia au pair allegedly connected to a double homicide at the residence where she worked. Juliana Peres Magalhaes and Brendan Banfield were revealed to have visited a gun range together before the tragic events unfolded in February 2023.
During a probable cause hearing, it was disclosed that Brendan's wife, Christine Banfield, was killed in a double homicide at their home. The couple claimed that a stranger named Joseph Ryan, whom they shot after he allegedly stabbed Christine, was responsible for the crime.
Prosecutors have stated that Christine summoned Ryan to her home through a website catering to sexual bondage enthusiasts. The bizarre circumstances surrounding the case have led to murder charges against Peres Magalhaes, with a judge ruling that the case can proceed to a grand jury this month.
Peres Magalhaes, described as Brendan's girlfriend and live-in lover, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in Ryan's death. However, Brendan has not faced any charges, and no one has been charged in his wife's death.
The investigation has taken unexpected turns, with Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis expressing confidence that more individuals will be held accountable for the crime. The Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney's Office is exploring the possibility that someone impersonated Christine on the fetish website to lure Ryan to the home for nefarious purposes.
During the hearing, prosecutors focused on establishing the affair between Brendan and Peres Magalhaes, which reportedly began months before the tragic events and continued after Christine's death. The purchase of the firearm used in the incident was also highlighted, raising questions about the motive behind the shooting.
Amidst the legal proceedings, conflicting accounts and claims of self-defense have emerged, adding complexity to the case. Brendan invoked his Fifth Amendment right during questioning, and the investigation continues to unravel the intricate details surrounding the double homicide.
