Husband Testifies He Didn't Plot Wife's Killing in Double Murder Trial

Brendan Banfield claims he loved his wife despite having an affair with their family's au pair.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:23pm

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Brendan Banfield testified in court that he loved his wife Christine and did not want to end their marriage, despite having an affair with the family's au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães. Prosecutors allege that Banfield and Magalhães plotted to kill Christine and another man, Joe Ryan, but Banfield denied this claim, calling it "absurd." Magalhães has testified to the plot, but Banfield said her account was a lie and that both he and his wife had affairs during their 19-year relationship.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities of relationships, infidelity, and the criminal justice system. The testimony from both Banfield and Magalhães provides conflicting accounts, raising questions about the true motives and events surrounding the double homicide.

The details

Banfield testified that his affair with Magalhães, the family's au pair, began when she scooted her chair closer to his during a dinner one night while his wife was out of town. He said Magalhães then followed him to his room, and he did not stop her. Prosecutors allege that Banfield and Magalhães then plotted to kill Banfield's wife Christine and another man, Joe Ryan, but Banfield denied this claim, calling it "absurd." Magalhães has testified to the plot, but Banfield said her account was a lie and that both he and his wife had affairs during their 19-year relationship.

  • Banfield testified in court on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.

The players

Brendan Banfield

A man charged with aggravated murder in the killings of his wife Christine and Joe Ryan. He has pleaded not guilty and could face life in prison if convicted.

Juliana Peres Magalhães

The family's au pair who had an affair with Brendan Banfield. She initially was charged with second-degree murder in Ryan's killing but has since pleaded guilty to a downgraded manslaughter charge.

Christine Banfield

Brendan Banfield's wife, who was killed in the double homicide.

Joe Ryan

A man who was killed in the double homicide.

John Carroll

Brendan Banfield's attorney who spent much of the trial scrutinizing Magalhães' motives in the case.

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What they’re saying

“I think that it's an absurd line of questioning for something that is not serious, that a plan was made to get rid of my wife. That is absolutely crazy.”

— Brendan Banfield

“We were together the entire time. We didn't break up at any point.”

— Brendan Banfield

“Did you love your wife?”

— John Carroll, Brendan Banfield's attorney

“Very much.”

— Brendan Banfield

“Did you want to continue your marriage with your wife?”

— John Carroll, Brendan Banfield's attorney

“Yes.”

— Brendan Banfield

What’s next

The jury will continue to weigh the evidence and testimony presented in the trial to determine Brendan Banfield's fate.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities of relationships, infidelity, and the criminal justice system, with conflicting accounts from the key players involved. It raises questions about motives, trust, and the pursuit of justice.