Au Pair Trial: VA v. Brendan Brandfield

The Trial of Brendan Branfield

Here’s a clear, factual overview of the case and trial.

Who was involved

• Defendant: Brendan Branfield

• Victim: Christine Banfield

• Location: Fairfax County, Virginia

• Date of incident: February 2023

What happened

Christine Banfield was found shot to death inside her home in Fairfax County. Also inside the house was her husband, who had been shot and critically injured but survived.

Brendan Branfield had been working at the home as a handyman. Prosecutors alleged that he sexually assaulted Christine Banfield and then shot her. They also alleged he shot her husband during the incident.

The Charges

Branfield was charged with multiple serious felonies, including:

• First-degree murder

• Aggravated sexual battery

• Malicious wounding (for shooting the husband)

• Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony

• Additional related firearm and violent felony counts

The Prosecution’s Case

Prosecutors argued:

• Branfield attacked Christine Banfield inside her home.

• DNA evidence linked him to the sexual assault.

• He used a firearm during the attack.

• He shot her husband when confronted.

The case relied heavily on forensic evidence, including DNA findings, ballistics, and scene reconstruction.

The Defense’s Position

The defense did not deny Branfield was present in the home. Instead, they focused on:

• Questioning the sequence of events

• Challenging the prosecution’s interpretation of forensic evidence

• Raising issues related to Branfield’s mental state

The Verdict

In 2023, the jury found Brendan Branfield guilty on multiple counts, including:

• First-degree murder

• Aggravated sexual battery

• Malicious wounding

• Firearm-related charges