Connect with us

Washington

Defense motions to suppress au pair's police testimony in double murder case

Published

on

Defense motions to suppress au pair's police testimony in double murder case


Attorneys for an au pair charged in a double homicide in Northern Virginia filed a motion to suppress testimony their client made to officers minutes and hours after they arrived at the crime scene.

Prosecutors and police say Brendan Banfield plotted with Juliana Peres Magalhaes to kill his wife, Christine. The suspects were involved in an affair for months before Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan were killed in the Banfields’ Herndon home in February 2023, prosecutors say.

The suspects used a sex fetish website to lure Ryan to the home, prosecutors say.

Christine Banfield was found stabbed to death in the home. Ryan was found shot nearby.

Advertisement

Peres Magalhaes told Fairfax County police officers she and Brendan Banfield found Ryan attacking Christine in the bedroom and that Brendan shot and wounded Ryan during the attack. The suspects told police Brendan then told Peres Magalhaes to get another gun so they could shoot him again.

At Thursday’s hearing, Peres Magalhaes’ attorneys argued testimony their client gave police should be suppressed because police unlawfully seized her. They said in body camera video their client is seen asking officers, “Do I have to go? Can I go back inside of the house?”

The prosecution argued against the claim that Fairfax County police seized the au pair, saying police treated her with care and respect. Officers did order her to leave and go to police headquarters, prosecutors said. Police wanted to provide a safe option where Peres Magalhaes and the Banfields’ young daughter could be warm and safe, prosecutors said.

The judge is expected to make a ruling on the defenses motion to suppress the au pair’s testimony next Thursday.

Peres Magalhaes was charged with second-degree murder in Ryan’s death last year.

Advertisement

Brendan Banfield was indicted Monday on four counts of aggravated murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.



Source link

Washington

Tulip Day Washington draws buzz as sign-up site goes down

Published

on

Tulip Day Washington draws buzz as sign-up site goes down


Coming up this month, spring’s most colorful new event: Tulip Day Washington. 

What we know:

Advertisement

On March 15, 2026, Tulip Day Washington will transform DC’s National Mall into a vibrant tulip-picking garden beautiful views of U.S. Capitol 

This one-day event will take place from 11:15 AM – 4:15 PM, offering a floral showcase of approximately 150,000 tulips; visitors are invited to pick their choice of 10 tulips for free upon arrival.  

Dig deeper:

Advertisement

The registration site for Tulip Day is currently down, showing users “This site is currently unavailable. If you’re the owner of this website, please contact your hosting provider to get this resolved.” 

Users on social media say the event may be sold out. 

Advertisement

Check tulipday.eu for updates.  

The backstory:

The event is organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands and Royal Anthos, a Dutch trade association, in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The display of tulips will be in the shape of the number 250. 

Advertisement

The bulbs come from the Netherlands, but are being grown in Virginia and New Jersey. 

These won’t be the first tulips on the National Mall, however. The Floral Library, also known as the Tulip Library, features 93 beds of flowers near the Tidal Basin. The Floral Library was established in 1969, and is maintained by the National Park Services. These flowers, though, are to be enjoyed only – not to be picked. 

Advertisement
Things To Do in the DMVNewsWashington, D.C.



Source link

Continue Reading

Washington

PHOTOS: Long Beach State Dirtbags vs. Washington State, Baseball

Published

on

PHOTOS: Long Beach State Dirtbags vs. Washington State, Baseball


The562’s coverage of Dirtbags Baseball for the 2026 season is sponsored by P2S, Inc. Visit p2sinc.com to learn more.

Long Beach State dropped a 9-7 decision against Washington State on Sunday afternoon, closing out a busy weekend on Bohl Diamond at Blair Field.

The visiting Cougars took the lead for good in the eighth inning when Long Beach Poly grad Ryan Skjonsby delivered a game-winning two-run single with two outs and the bases loaded. Skjonsby was 2-for-4 with a walk, a run scored and three RBIs for Washington State in their road victory.

For the Dirtbags, catcher Damon Valdez scored twice and had a key two-run single in the sixth to help lead a Long Beach comeback. Trevor Goldenetz had a pair of hits at the top of the order, including an RBI triple. Camden Gasser walked twice and singled, improving his on-base percentage to .574 on the season.

Advertisement

Long Beach State (4-7) will be back in action at home on Tuesday with an exhibition match against Waseda University from Japan. The Dirtbags will then visit San Diego State on Wednesday and open Big West play at UC Santa Barbara this weekend.





Source link

Continue Reading

Washington

Week Ahead in Washington: March 1

Published

on

Week Ahead in Washington: March 1


WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – Operation “Epic Fury” — the weekend military operations carried out by the U.S. and Israel against targets in Iran — tops the agenda for Congress as lawmakers return to Washington.

Sunday, President Donald Trump said the new leadership in Iran wants to talk to the Trump Administration.

Democrats in both chambers called for Congress to return as soon as possible for classified briefings on Iran, followed by a move to vote on the War Powers Act. The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war on another country.

Congress’ return to Washington was originally delayed due to the start of the 2026 midterm elections cycle.

Advertisement

Tuesday, voters in Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas head to the polls for primary elections.

North Carolina and Texas are drawing significant attention, as both states are facing congressional redistricting and competitive primary races for Senate seats.

In Texas, incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R) is facing primary challenges from state Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt. On the Democratic side, Rep. Jasmine Crockett is facing state Rep. James Talarico.

In North Carolina, candidates are vying to replacing retiring Sen. Thom Tillis (R) . They include former Governor Roy Cooper (D) and former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley.

Also this week, the Rev. Jesse Jackson is laid to rest. He will be honored Wednesday in Washington before a final memorial service Saturday. Jackson died Feb. 17.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending