On Wednesday, Brendan Banfield displayed visible emotion during his court appearance, as the jury viewed body camera footage from the tragic night his wife lost her life. He was seen dabbing tears from his eyes while a police detective guided the jury through the video evidence.

Detective Zachary Beckner took the stand once more as part of the defense’s presentation, focusing on the footage captured by officers at the scene. As the video unfolded in the courtroom, Banfield appeared to struggle with his emotions, shaking his head and using tissues to manage his tears.

The footage depicted the police response at the residence where Christine Banfield was discovered stabbed in February 2023, alongside another victim, Joseph Ryan.

Brendan Banfield faces charges of aggravated murder for the deaths of Christine and Ryan in their Herndon, Virginia home, a prosperous area near Washington, D.C. Prosecutors claim that Banfield orchestrated the murders to conceal an affair with the family’s au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães. He has entered a plea of not guilty to these charges.

During the video screening, Banfield was seen shaking his head, visibly moved, and wiping away tears in the courtroom.

The emotional courtroom moment came as the defense continued presenting its case, which has included efforts to challenge forensic evidence and to emphasize Banfield’s reaction in the immediate aftermath of his wife’s death.

Jurors watched as the bodycam video was replayed. Banfield did not speak during the video but remained visibly emotional throughout.

Brendan Banfield is facing trial for his alleged involvement in the deaths of his wife, Christine, and Joseph Ryan. (Pool/CourtTV)

On Tuesday, the prosecution rested its case, prompting defense attorneys to ask the judge to dismiss the charges, arguing the state failed to present enough evidence directly tying Banfield to the killings.

The judge denied that motion, allowing the trial to move forward.

Prosecutors have relied on testimony from Magalhães, who admitted her role in the killings under a plea agreement. She told jurors she was involved in a sexual relationship with Banfield and said the two plotted to kill Christine and make Ryan’s death appear to be the result of a consensual encounter gone wrong.

A framed photo of Brendan Banfield and Juliana Magalhaes and the mistress’ lingerie were found in the room where the double homicide occurred, according to prosecutors. (Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office)

She testified that Banfield controlled the planning, created an online profile using his wife’s credentials and ultimately stabbed Christine after shooting Ryan.

Juliana Peres Magalhães in new police bodycam video calling Brendan Banfield her “husband.” (Fairfax County Police Department via AP and Instagram)

Defense attorneys have attacked Magalhães’ credibility and argued the state’s case relies on inconsistent evidence.

The trial is ongoing in Fairfax County Circuit Court.