In a dramatic courtroom scene in Fairfax, Virginia, a man charged with a double homicide has taken the stand to vehemently deny allegations that he plotted his wife's killing, despite admitting to an affair with the family's au pair in the months leading up to the deaths.
Defendant Insists on Innocence Amidst Prosecution Claims
Brendan Banfield, dressed in a grey suit and plaid tie, testified under oath on Wednesday that he deeply loved his wife, Christine Banfield, and had no desire to end their marriage. This testimony comes as part of a sprawling double murder case where he faces charges of aggravated murder for the killings of his wife and another man, Joe Ryan. If convicted by the northern Virginia jury, Banfield could potentially face life imprisonment, having pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Affair Details and Prosecution's Theory
Banfield described the beginning of his affair with Juliana Peres Magalhães, the family's au pair, as a casual encounter. He recounted an evening when his wife was out of town, noting that Magalhães moved her chair closer to his during dinner and later followed him into his bedroom, with him not stopping her. However, he firmly rejected the prosecution's suggestion that this affair led to a murder conspiracy.
"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," Banfield testified. "That is absolutely crazy."
Prosecutors allege that Banfield and Magalhães lured Ryan to their home, where they shot him and Banfield stabbed his wife, staging the scene to appear as though Ryan was a predator attacking Christine Banfield. They argue this was part of a calculated plan to eliminate his wife and continue a life with Magalhães.
Key Witness Testimony and Defence Scrutiny
Magalhães, who has pleaded guilty to a downgraded manslaughter charge in Ryan's killing after initially facing second-degree murder charges, testified earlier in January. She claimed that she and Banfield created a social media account in Christine Banfield's name on a platform for sexual fetishes, where Ryan connected with the account. According to her, they planned a sexual encounter involving a knife as part of a ruse to kill his wife.
However, Banfield dismissed this as a lie, stating "there was no plan." His defence attorney, John Carroll, has extensively scrutinised Magalhães' motives during the trial. Carroll highlighted inconsistencies in her testimony, such as her inability to recall who created the email for the social media account or her whereabouts when it was set up. Magalhães also admitted under oath to negotiating with a true-crime author and producers to share her story for financial gain.
Marital History and Emotional Testimony
On the stand, Banfield spoke emotionally about his 19-year marriage to Christine, describing them as inseparable despite both having affairs throughout their relationship. He revealed that they had attended couples therapy and decided to continue their marriage.
"We were together the entire time. We didn't break up at any point," Banfield said. When asked by his attorney if he loved his wife and wanted to continue the marriage, he responded firmly, "Very much" and "Yes."
The jury is now tasked with weighing Banfield's testimony against the prosecution's evidence, including Magalhães' account, in a case that has captivated local attention with its complex web of relationships and alleged deceit.
