Overview
- Jurors found Banfield guilty of two counts of aggravated murder, using a firearm in a felony, and child endangerment.
- Prosecutors said he conspired with au pair Juliana Peres Magalhães to lure Joseph Ryan via a fetish‑site profile and stage the scene to frame him for Christine Banfield’s killing.
- Magalhães pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 2024 and testified under a deal recommending time served, with her sentencing to follow Banfield’s case.
- Banfield testified he shot Ryan in self‑defense and denied any plot, as the defense attacked Magalhães’ credibility and pointed to contested forensic and digital evidence.
- The jury deliberated roughly nine hours over two days after both sides declined lesser homicide options, and the crimes occurred in the Herndon home with the couple’s 4‑year‑old present.