Man Accused of Orchestrating Double Murder to Eliminate Wife
In a recent courtroom drama, a man from the outskirts of Washington, D.C. is facing charges of aggravated murder for allegedly masterminding the deaths of his wife and an uninvolved third party. The accused, Brendan Banfield, had reportedly been involved in an illicit affair with the family's au pair from Brazil. In a shocking twist, he allegedly used a complex plot to draw an innocent man to his home as part of his plan to eliminate his wife. If found guilty, Banfield could face a lifetime behind bars.
Affair Turns Deadly
Testimony from Juliana Peres Magalhães, the Brazilian au pair, revealed that she started working for the family when she was just 21 and later began an intimate relationship with Banfield. According to her, Banfield expressed intentions of marrying her and starting a family, but first needed to "get rid of" his wife. He was averse to the idea of divorce, fearing financial loss and jeopardizing custody of his 4-year-old daughter.
Elaborate Scheme Unraveled
Banfield allegedly devised a plan to create a counterfeit profile for his wife on a risqué website. Magalhães stated that she and Banfield would both post to the site using his wife's laptop, being careful to do so only when the wife was home. According to her, Banfield understood the importance of constructing alibis.
Magalhães further revealed that Banfield and her spent a month crafting an intricate situation with the third man, Joseph Ryan. Ryan was led to believe he was participating in a staged non-consensual fantasy scenario. The plan was for Ryan to arrive at the Banfield residence one morning with restraints and a knife while the wife was asleep.
Preparations for the Crime
As part of the preparations, both Magalhães and Banfield traded in their phones to eliminate potential evidence. Banfield also soundproofed his house and surveyed neighbors' homes for doorbell cameras.
The Murders
On the day of the murders, Magalhães and the child left the house, waiting for Ryan to arrive. Once Ryan was at the scene, Banfield returned to the house. After ensuring the child was safe in the basement, Banfield found Ryan in the room with his wife. Banfield then shot Ryan, and subsequently stabbed his wife, according to Magalhães' testimony.
Magalhães called 911 but ended the call when Banfield gestured her to do so. She also admitted to shooting Ryan when she saw him moving after initially being shot. Banfield gave her the go-ahead to call 911 again after the incident.
Aftermath and Trial
Emotions ran high in court as the 911 call from the day of the murder was played, with Banfield appearing visibly upset. Magalhães, initially charged with murder, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter after cooperating with the investigators.
Defense Arguments
Banfield's attorney argued that Magalhães had maintained her innocence for a year before changing her story, hinting at a deal with the prosecution. The defense also disputed the prosecution's theory of Banfield and Magalhães "catfishing" Ryan, which even some detectives disagreed with. The case has caused significant controversy within the police department.
Additional Charges
Banfield is also facing charges of child abuse and felony child cruelty, as his daughter was present in the house at the time of the murders.
Grieving Mother Speaks Out
Joseph Ryan's mother, Deirdre Fisher, shared her son had spoken to her about consensual role play but insisted he was not a violent person. She tearfully recalled the moment she learned of her son's tragic death.