Former Tax Agent Gets Life for Double Murder
Brendan Banfield was a tax agent in Herndon, Virginia. He was found guilty of murdering his wife Christine and a man named Joseph Ryan.
Ryan was lured to the home through a fetish website. Christine was not lured through the site.
Their 4-year-old daughter was home during the killings. Banfield was also convicted of putting a child in danger.
He was sentenced to life in prison. His lover helped plan the murders.
She was the family's au pair named Juliana Peres Magalhaes. She got the maximum 10-year sentence.
The judge declined to follow prosecutors who asked for less time. She will be sent back to her home country after her release.
Klear Note — A fetish website is an online platform where people with specific sexual interests connect. Life sentences mean prison until death.
Key Terms 3
- au pair A person who lives with a family and helps care for children
- fetish website A website focused on unusual personal interests or desires
- mandatory life term A life sentence the judge is required by law to give