A young au pair allegedly shot and killed a man in a home near Washington, D.C., earlier this year, where a woman was also stabbed to death, Fox 5 reports.
On Thursday, the Fairfax County Police Department issued an update on the case, announcing that 23-year-old Juliana Peres Magalhaes has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 39-year-old Joseph Ryan.
Ryan was found with multiple gunshot wounds at a house in Herndon in February. The body of 37-year-old Christine Banfield, who had been stabbed repeatedly, was also found in the house.
Authorities say that shortly before 8 a.m. on February 24, a 911 call was placed from the residence but the caller hung up.
Thirteen minutes later, dispatchers answered a second 911 call and Peres Magalhaes and Banfield’s husband were on the call.
Peres Magalhaes said her “friend” had been hurt, according to Fox 5. The husband, whose name has not been released, then said he shot an unknown man who had allegedly forced his way into the home and stabbed his wife.
The Fairfax County Police Department said arriving officers encountered “an appalling scene.”
Banfield’s body was discovered in a bedroom upstairs with the stab wounds focused on her upper body. She was rushed to a hospital but died shortly thereafter.
Ryan’s body was located nearby and had multiple gunshot wounds in his upper body. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators have not said whether they have determined Ryan was the person who stabbed Banfield or why he was at the residence. No signs of forced entry were found.
A 4-year-old girl was also at the home at the time of the deaths. She was found safe.
The husband is said to have refused to speak with investigators; he is reportedly a federal law enforcement officer, according to WUSA-TV.
But Peres Magalhaes cooperated, and detectives believe that she is the person who shot Ryan, not Banfield’s husband.
Police have said that Banfield and Ryan knew each other but the nature of their relationship has not been disclosed.
Peres Magalhaes is being held in a detention center without bond.
The investigation continues and police are still interviewing witnesses and examining evidence. To report information about the case, call the Fairfax County Police Department at 703-246-7800.
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[Feature Photo: Juliana Peres Magalhaes/Fairfax County Police Department]
