FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — A Fairfax County man who is set to go on trial for his wife and another man's death has now been hit with more charges. This time, in connection to his 4-year-old.
Brendan Banfield, 39, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of felony child abuse and neglect, as well as felony child cruelty. The charges stem from Feb. 24, 2023, when 37-year-old Christine Banfield and 28-year-old Joseph Ryan were killed.
Brendan Banfield is accused of stabbing his wife, Christine Banfield, and shooting Joseph Ryan on that morning.
Prosecutors alleged Brendan Banfield and his family's live-in au pair, Julian Peres Magalhaes, were having an affair months before the deadly shooting. Records in court showed newly framed photos of the two on a nightstand in the bedroom of the Banfield home, shortly after the killings.
According to prosecutors, when Brendan Banfield told Peres Magalhaes he wanted to get rid of his wife, the two started planning her murder.
Prosecutors have accused the two of luring Joseph Ryan to the home through a post on a website for sexual fetishes. The attorneys alleged that the conversations confirmed they would be doing a violent sexual role play and Ryan brought a knife with him.
In October 2023, Peres Magalhaes was arrested and charged in connection to Ryan's death.
In October 2024, Peres Magalhaes pleaded guilty to manslaughter and is awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for March 21, 2025.
Banfield was arrested on Sept. 16 and subsequently indicted on four counts of aggravated murder and one count of using a firearm in the commission of a felony.
The new charges announced on Monday against Banfield also include allegations that his actions involving the couple's then-4-year-old daughter, who was present at the scene, were criminal in nature.
Fairfax Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano noted that further investigation into the events of that day revealed additional charges against Banfield.
"Additional information has come to light over the course of our investigation, and we believe these additional charges reflect the events that occurred in the house on that day," Descano said. "My office is committed to bringing the strongest case possible against Brendan Banfield for the alleged murders of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan."
In a statement to WUSA9 Joseph Ryan's family said the following:
We're happy to hear that news and we hope the little girl is doing well and continue to send condolences to Christine's family.
Brendan Banfield's trial is currently set for Feb. 3, 2025.