Jury Deadlocked in Banfield Double‑Murder Trial, Deliberations Set for Monday
Updated (3 articles)
Case Overview and Charges: Brendan Banfield faces aggravated murder charges for the February 24, 2023 killings of his wife Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan, with a potential life sentence if convicted [1][2][3]. Prosecutors allege he conspired with Brazilian au pair Juliana Peres Magalhães to stage the murders, while the defense maintains he acted alone in self‑defense [1][2][3]. The trial has centered on whether a pre‑meditated plot existed or the deaths resulted from a chaotic confrontation [1][2][3].
Prosecution Theory Involving Fake Fetish‑Site Lure: State investigators claim Banfield and the au pair created false profiles on a fetish website, posing as Christine to lure Ryan to the Banfield home for a “consensual violent sexual encounter” [1][2][3]. According to the au pair’s testimony, Banfield stabbed Christine, shot Ryan, and smeared blood on his own body to fabricate a self‑defense scenario, while prosecutors assert Ryan brought the murder knife at Banfield’s direction [1][2][3]. The narrative hinges on digital‑forensic logs and the alleged staging of the crime scene [1][2][3].
Defense Challenges Evidence and Claims Au Pair Fabricated Story: Attorney John Carroll argues the au pair fabricated the catfishing story to secure a reduced sentence, accusing investigators of ignoring contradictory device data [1][2][3]. Forensic analysis found only Christine’s and Ryan’s DNA on the stabbing knife, with no Banfield DNA detected, which the defense cites as proof of his non‑involvement in the stabbing [1][2][3]. The defense also contends that evidence handling was compromised and that digital logs do not support the prosecution’s lure theory [1][2][3].
Jury Status and Upcoming Deliberations: The 12‑person jury deadlocked on Friday and will reconvene Monday morning to continue deliberations [1]. Judge Penney Azcarate warned that a snowstorm could affect court proceedings and noted that Banfield’s testimony might open the door to reduced homicide charges [3]. Banfield admitted an affair with the au pair but denied any murder plot, while the au pair continues to cooperate for a recommended time‑served sentence [1][2].
Sources
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1.
CNN: Jury to resume deliberations in Brendan Banfield double‑murder case: reports deadlocked jury, Monday reconvening, outlines prosecution and defense claims, notes DNA evidence and au pair cooperation.
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2.
CNN: Brendan Banfield Testifies He Had No Murder Plot, Defense Challenges Prosecution Theory: details Banfield’s courtroom denial, defense attacks digital‑forensics, highlights lack of DNA on knife, and outlines au pair plea deal.
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3.
CNN: Brendan Banfield to Testify in Double‑Murder Trial: describes upcoming testimony, prosecution’s catfishing narrative, defense’s evidence‑handling accusations, and judge’s warning about snowstorm and possible lesser charges.
Timeline
Aug 2022 – Banfield begins an affair with Brazilian au pair Juliana Peres Magalhães, creating the personal link that later underpins the murder allegations [1][2][3].
Feb 24, 2023 – Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan are killed in the Banfield home; prosecutors later allege Banfield and the au pair use fake fetish‑site profiles to lure Ryan and stage a self‑defense scenario [1][2][3].
Oct 2023 – Police arrest au pair Juliana Peres Magalhães for Ryan’s murder; she later agrees to cooperate with prosecutors in exchange for a recommendation of time served [2][3].
Sep 2024 – Prosecutors formally charge Brendan Banfield with aggravated murder for the February 2023 double homicide, moving the case toward trial [2].
Jan 23, 2026 – In a pre‑deliberation hearing, Banfield announces he will testify in his own defense; Judge Penney Azcarate warns a snowstorm may cancel Monday’s session and notes the jury could consider reduced homicide charges [3].
Jan 28, 2026 – Banfield testifies, denying any murder plot while acknowledging his affair; the defense attacks the prosecution’s “catfishing” theory, highlights absent DNA on the stabbing knife, and cites digital‑forensics experts who dispute the alleged online lure; prosecutors reiterate the staged‑fetish‑site narrative and Banfield is slated to testify again on Thursday [2].
Jan 30, 2026 – The 12‑person jury deadlocks on Friday and reconvenes Monday morning; Banfield faces life imprisonment if convicted; prosecutors maintain the fake fetish‑site lure theory, while the defense claims the au pair fabricated the story for a plea deal; forensic analysis confirms only the victims’ DNA on the murder knife [1].
Jan 31, 2026 (expected) – The jury resumes deliberations, with the outcome set to determine whether Banfield receives a life sentence or a lesser homicide conviction [1].