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Juliana Peres Magalhaes a 23-year-old au pair was charged with murder after police discovered a double homicide at a Virginia residence where she worked. The tragedy unfolded in Reston, Virginia, a quiet community 20 miles west of Washington, D.C. 

VIDEO: Au Pair Accused of Double Homicide in Virginia

The victims, 39-year-old Joseph Ryan and 37-year-old Christine Banfield lost their lives in a disturbing incident that left authorities stunned.

Au pairs, typically foreign workers employed to assist with childcare and household tasks in exchange for a stipend and room and board, are usually associated with supporting families. However, this particular case took a dark and unexpected turn.

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On February 24, officers from the Fairfax County Police Department were confronted with a gruesome scene when they responded to a call from the residence. 

They discovered Joseph Ryan with gunshot wounds to the upper body and Christine Banfield, in an upstairs bedroom, suffering from stab wounds to the upper body.

 Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene. And Banfield was transported to the hospital, where she, too, was pronounced dead. Amidst this horrifying incident, a four-year-old girl in their care remained unharmed.

Questions Remain About Double Homicide 

Magalhaes and Christine Banfield's husband made the call to the police. According to initial reports, Magalhaes informed the dispatchers that "her friend was hurt."

 Banfield's husband later got on the line, stating that he had shot an unknown man who entered his home. And then attacked a woman.

During a press conference, Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis mentioned that there was no signs of a forced entry. And no evidence of a break-in. 

After a seven-month investigation, the police announced the arrest of Magalhaes, charging her with second-degree murder.

 Forensic evidence and multiple interviews led to her implication in the crime. The authorities continue to probe the circumstances surrounding Banfield's stabbing, urging anyone with information to contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800.

This tragic event left many unanswered questions, primarily regarding the relationships between the four adults residing in the same household.