Husband Testifies in Au Pair Affair Killings Case

Brendan Banfield says he did not kill his wife, but shot the man who did.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a northern Virginia courtroom, Brendan Banfield testified that he did not fatally stab his wife Christine in 2023, but instead shot the man, Joseph Ryan, who was holding a knife over his wife. Banfield said he was hoping to de-escalate the situation and did not want to shoot Ryan. Prosecutors have been telling a different story, alleging that Banfield killed his wife and lured Ryan to the house to frame him.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities and contradictions in a high-profile murder trial, with the husband providing a different account than prosecutors. It raises questions about the police investigation and whether they prematurely settled on a theory without fully considering all the evidence.

The details

Banfield, a former IRS law enforcement officer, testified that he woke up, showered, and left for an important work meeting when he returned home to find his wife Christine and Ryan in his bedroom, with Ryan holding a knife over Christine. Banfield said he fired a single shot at Ryan, who he claimed was the one who stabbed his wife. Banfield's romantic partner, the family's au pair Juliana Peres Magalhães, also shot Ryan moments later, according to Banfield's testimony. Prosecutors have alleged that Banfield and Magalhães created a social media account in Christine's name to lure Ryan to the house for a sexual encounter involving a knife, and that Banfield was the one who killed his wife.

  • Banfield testified on Thursday, January 30, 2026.
  • The killings of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan occurred in 2023.

The players

Brendan Banfield

The defendant, a former IRS law enforcement officer, who is on trial for the 2023 killings of his wife Christine and Joseph Ryan.

Christine Banfield

Brendan Banfield's wife, who was killed in 2023.

Joseph Ryan

The man who Brendan Banfield claims he shot, alleging that Ryan had stabbed Christine Banfield.

Juliana Peres Magalhães

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

Jenna Sands

The chief deputy commonwealth's attorney prosecuting the case against Brendan Banfield.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 conflicting accounts from the prosecution and the defendant. It raises questions about the police investigation and whether they prematurely settled on a theory without fully considering all the evidence.