Virginia Live-In Au Pair Charged with Murder After Lengthy Investigation

In a shocking turn of events, a 23-year-old live-in au pair from Reston, Virginia, has been charged with second-degree murder following an extensive seven-month investigation into a double homicide. The case involves a tragic incident of both shooting and stabbing that unfolded in the family's home where she was employed.

The Suspect and Charges

Juliana Peres Magalhaes, the 23-year-old au pair, stands accused of the murder of 39-year-old Joseph Ryan. She is currently in custody without bond, as confirmed by the Fairfax County Police Department.

The Disturbing Morning of the Incident

On the fateful morning of February 25th, a distressing 911 call brought law enforcement officers rushing to a residence on Stable Brook Way. A woman's voice on the call reported that her friend had been injured, setting off the chain of events.

The Alarming Details

During the 911 call, a man who had taken the phone from the woman reported that he had shot an unknown man who had entered his home and also stabbed a woman.

Upon their arrival, the officers discovered 37-year-old Christine Banfield of Herndon in an upstairs bedroom, suffering from stab wounds to her upper body. Nearby, they found Ryan, a 39-year-old from Springfield, who had sustained gunshot wounds to his upper body.

Tragically, Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene, while Banfield was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.

Key Involvement of the Au Pair

Intriguingly, detectives revealed that the initial 911 call was made by Juliana Peres Magalhaes, the live-in au pair, and that Brendan Robert Banfield, Christine Banfield's husband, also joined the call.

Ongoing Investigation

The police have conducted a comprehensive investigation, involving interviews and forensic evidence analysis. As a result, they allege that Juliana Peres Magalhaes shot Joseph Ryan. Nevertheless, the investigation is far from over, with detectives continuing their pursuit to uncover the circumstances leading to the tragic stabbing of Christine Banfield.

Unanswered Questions

At this stage, the police have not confirmed whether Joseph Ryan stabbed Christine Banfield. Additionally, they have not explained why he was inside the home, especially since there were no signs of forced entry.

Seeking Information

If you possess any information relevant to this case, we encourage you to contact the Fairfax County Police Department’s Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800 or provide an anonymous tip to Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

This case remains a matter of ongoing concern, and further developments will undoubtedly provide more insight into this unfortunate incident.