Lawyer Claims Au Pair Lied About Brendan Banfield's Murder Plot

Defense argues mistress nanny fabricated story to secure deal, as jury deliberates charges against ex-IRS agent

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:31pm

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The defense attorney for Brendan Banfield, a former IRS agent accused of murdering his wife and framing a stranger, told jurors that Banfield's mistress nanny, Juliana Peres Magalhaes, lied about the alleged plot in order to secure a deal for herself. The prosecutor argued that Banfield killed his wife to be with Magalhaes, but the defense claimed Banfield was truthful about his affairs and that Magalhaes' testimony cannot be trusted.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities of relationships, infidelity, and the reliability of witness testimony, especially when a witness may have incentives to fabricate a story. The jury must weigh the credibility of the evidence and testimonies to determine Banfield's guilt or innocence.

The details

Brendan Banfield, a former IRS agent, is accused of stabbing his wife Christine and shooting a stranger, Joe Ryan, whom he allegedly planned to frame for the murder. Banfield's mistress, Juliana Peres Magalhaes, a Brazilian au pair, testified against Banfield, claiming he carried out the elaborate plot. However, Banfield's lawyer argued that Magalhaes made up the story to secure a deal for herself, and that Banfield was truthful about his multiple affairs. The prosecutor argued that Banfield killed his wife to be with Magalhaes, but the defense claimed the nanny's testimony is not credible.

  • On February 24, 2023, the alleged murders took place.

The players

Brendan Banfield

A former IRS agent accused of murdering his wife and framing a stranger.

Juliana Peres Magalhaes

Banfield's mistress, a Brazilian au pair who testified against him.

Christine Banfield

Brendan Banfield's wife, who was allegedly murdered.

Joe Ryan

A stranger who Banfield allegedly planned to frame for the murder of his wife.

John Carroll

Brendan Banfield's defense attorney.

Jenna Sands

The prosecutor in the case.

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What they’re saying

“Juliana made it up. She told the commonwealth what they wanted to hear.”

— John Carroll, Brendan Banfield's defense attorney

“She told this lie to secure herself a deal that benefited her. She was a pawn in trying to get to my client.”

— John Carroll, Brendan Banfield's defense attorney

“He was in love with Juliana. He can pretend this was a fling ... He was afraid of losing her. He needed to get rid of his wife so they could be together, so they could get married, so they could have children together.”

— Jenna Sands, Prosecutor

What’s next

The jury started deliberating on Friday afternoon and will decide Brendan Banfield's fate on three charges: aggravated murder, a weapons charge tied to the murder, and endangering his daughter.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities of relationships, infidelity, and the reliability of witness testimony, especially when a witness may have incentives to fabricate a story. The jury must carefully weigh the credibility of the evidence and testimonies to determine Banfield's guilt or innocence.