US man who plotted with au pair to murder wife given life sentence

Brendan Banfield, a former IRS law enforcement officer, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole in Virginia for the murders of his wife, Christine Banfield, and Joseph Ryan. Prosecutors contended that Banfield and the family's au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, orchestrated a plan to kill Christine, using Ryan as a scapegoat. Banfield claimed he shot Ryan in self-defense after finding him attacking his wife on February 24, 2023. In addition to the murder convictions, Banfield was also found guilty of child endangerment, as his four-year-old daughter was present during the killings. The judge described Banfield's actions as evil and calculated, noting his lack of remorse.

Brendan Banfield, a former IRS officer, is scheduled for sentencing for the murders of his wife, Christine Banfield, and Joseph Ryan. Prosecutors alleged that Banfield and his wife's Brazilian au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, orchestrated a plan to kill Christine Banfield by luring Ryan to their Virginia home as a scapegoat. Magalhães testified that Banfield wanted to marry her and avoid a costly divorce and child custody battle. They used a fetish website to lure Ryan, staging the scene to appear as a violent intruder attack. Banfield shot Ryan, then stabbed Christine Banfield. Magalhães, who waited outside with the couple's child, then shot Ryan again. Magalhães pleaded guilty to manslaughter and testified against Banfield, receiving a 10-year sentence. Banfield was also convicted of child endangerment.