At a Glance
- Brendan Banfield faces trial for the murders of his wife and a stranger.
- The case hinges on alleged BDSM-inspired plans revealed by his former au pair.
- Evidence includes Instagram photos, a Fetlife profile, and testimony about a staged home invasion.
- Why it matters: The trial exposes a chilling scheme that blends romance, manipulation, and violence.
Brendan Banfield is on trial in Virginia for the murders of his wife, a pediatric intensive-care nurse, and a 39-year-old man named Joseph Ryan. The prosecution alleges that Banfield orchestrated a complex plan to kill his wife and then frame Ryan for the crime. The case has drawn national attention due to the bizarre details of the alleged plot and the testimony of a former lover.
Background
Brendan Banfield, a former IRS agent, married Christine Banfield in 2015. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2021, leaving a 4-year-old daughter in the picture. After the divorce, Banfield began a relationship with Juliana Peres Magalhaes, a Brazilian au pair who had worked for the family for several months. Peres Magalhaes moved into the Banfield home and became involved in the couple’s daily life.
The Alleged Plot
According to prosecutors, Banfield began planning the murders after the affair started around October 2022. He allegedly created a profile on Fetlife.com, a bondage-themed website, posing as his wife. Through this profile, he allegedly communicated with Joseph Ryan and discussed a consensual BDSM encounter that would involve restraints, cutting of clothing with a knife, and other violent role play.
The plan, as outlined by the prosecution, was to make the murders appear as a home invasion. Banfield allegedly gave Peres Magalhaes a gun and instructed her to call Christine’s phone when Ryan entered the house on Feb. 23, 2023. After the call, she would call Banfield’s phone. Banfield, waiting at a nearby McDonald’s, supposedly received the call, drove home, and shot Ryan in the head. He then stabbed his wife in an attempt to frame Ryan for her death.
Key Testimony
Juliana Peres Magalhaes testified that Banfield began the murderous scheme after they started having an affair. She told the jury that Banfield told her “divorce was not an option” because “money was involved” and he did not want to share custody of his daughter. The testimony also revealed that Banfield allegedly said he would not let his wife have custody.
Peres Magalhaes previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with Ryan’s death. She later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter in October 2024, after receiving a deal that included no further jail time and deportation, provided she cooperated.
Evidence Presented
During the trial, prosecutors presented a range of evidence:
- Instagram photos of Banfield and Peres Magalhaes in loving poses, including a selfie in a bathtub.
- A photo of Peres Magalhaes at a firing range with a caption in Portuguese: “The handsome guy takes really good pictures HAHAHA.”
- A photo of Banfield’s hand on Peres Magalhaes’ upper thigh and a video of the couple in a car singing “A Thousand Miles.”
- The Fetlife profile Banfield allegedly used, posing as his wife.
- Photographs of the Banfield home showing lingerie and “loving poses” arranged throughout the bedroom.
Prosecutors argued that these items proved Banfield’s intent and the staged nature of the murders.
Legal Proceedings
Banfield has pleaded not guilty to the charges of aggravated murder. The trial is ongoing, with the prosecution presenting evidence and witnesses, and the defense preparing their case.
The charges against Peres Magalhaes originally included second-degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. After her plea deal, she faces a manslaughter conviction and deportation.
Defense Strategy
Defense attorney John Carroll argued that Peres Magalhaes changed her story after receiving a deal from prosecutors. He suggested that she was “flipped” by the prosecution and that she is the linchpin in the case. Carroll stated, “The whole reason she was arrested was to flip her against my client. There’s a vulnerable person who is open to prey for what they need.”
Current Status
The trial continues, with the jury hearing testimony and evidence. Banfield remains in custody and has not been released. The outcome of the case will determine whether he faces life imprisonment or another sentence.
Takeaways
- The alleged plan involved a staged home invasion and a complex use of social media and online profiles.
- Peres Magalhaes’ testimony and evidence were central to the prosecution’s case.
- The defense’s focus is on the alleged deal and manipulation of the au pair.
- The trial underscores the importance of scrutinizing online activity and domestic relationships in violent crime cases.
The case remains a stark reminder of how personal relationships can be weaponized in the pursuit of control and financial gain.
