Husband in au pair affair testifies on killings of wife, another man

Brendan Banfield claims he did not fatally stab his wife, but instead shot the man who did

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:55pm

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Brendan Banfield, a former IRS law enforcement officer charged with killing his wife Christine and another man Joseph Ryan, testified in court that he did not stab his wife, but instead shot Ryan who he said was holding a knife over his wife. Banfield claimed he was trying to de-escalate the situation and did not want to shoot Ryan. Prosecutors have been telling a different story, alleging that Banfield stabbed his wife and lured Ryan to the house to frame him.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities and competing narratives in a high-profile murder trial, with the husband claiming self-defense while prosecutors allege premeditation and a cover-up. It raises questions about the police investigation, the reliability of witness testimony, and the role of an extramarital affair in the events leading up to the killings.

The details

Banfield testified that on the day of the killings, he woke up, showered, and left for what he said was an important work meeting. However, his boss later testified that no such meeting was on the calendar. Banfield claimed he returned home to find his wife Christine and Joseph Ryan in his bedroom, with Ryan holding a knife over Christine. Banfield said he fired a single shot at Ryan, and the family's au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, also shot Ryan moments later. Prosecutors have presented a different narrative, alleging that Banfield stabbed his wife and lured Ryan to the house as a way to frame him.

  • On the morning of the killings, Banfield said he left home early for an important work meeting.

The players

Brendan Banfield

A former IRS law enforcement officer charged with killing his wife Christine and another man Joseph Ryan. He testified that he did not stab his wife, but instead shot Ryan who he said was holding a knife over his wife.

Christine Banfield

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

Joseph Ryan

The other man who was killed in the incident, whom Banfield claimed he shot after finding him holding a knife over Banfield's wife.

Juliana Peres Magalhães

The family's au pair and Brendan Banfield's romantic partner, who also shot Joseph Ryan moments after Banfield did, according to Banfield's testimony.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know that I've ever been more panicked in my life. I was hoping to de-escalate the situation. I did not want to shoot him. I wanted him to let her go.”

— Brendan Banfield, Defendant

“You are contending, again, these feelings — these very strong feelings, these 'let's be together for the rest of our lives' feelings — did not exist when your wife was alive, correct? And they certainly did not motivate you to kill your wife?”

— Jenna Sands, Chief Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney

“Definitely not.”

— Brendan Banfield, Defendant

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Brendan Banfield out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities of a high-profile murder trial, with competing narratives and questions about the police investigation, witness reliability, and the role of an extramarital affair. It underscores the need for a thorough and impartial examination of the evidence to determine the truth.