Man convicted in elaborate plot to kill wife, lure stranger to their home

Brendan Banfield accused of stabbing wife and shooting man he 'catfished' on fetish website

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A jury has convicted Brendan Banfield, 40, of the 2023 murders of his wife Christine Banfield, 37, and a stranger named Joseph Ryan, 39, whom Banfield allegedly lured to their home under false pretenses as part of an elaborate plot to get rid of his spouse so he could be with his au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhaes, 25, with whom he was having an affair.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of domestic violence, the lengths some will go to cover up their crimes, and the complex dynamics that can arise when infidelity and custody battles are involved. It also raises questions about the thoroughness of the initial investigation and the plea deal offered to the au pair.

The details

Prosecutors accused Banfield of stabbing his wife to death and then fatally shooting Ryan, whom Banfield allegedly 'catfished' on a fetish website to lure him to the home for what was believed to be a consensual fake rape scenario in order to frame the stranger for his wife's murder. Peres Magalhaes initially faced second-degree murder charges but pleaded guilty to manslaughter under a plea deal to testify against Banfield.

  • On February 24, 2023, Banfield came home to find his wife naked with Ryan and shot Ryan in the head.
  • In October 2022, Banfield expressed his desire to 'get rid of' his wife to Peres Magalhaes.
  • Banfield was charged with aggravated murder in 2024 following a monthslong investigation.

The players

Brendan Banfield

A 40-year-old former IRS agent accused of plotting the murders of his wife and a stranger.

Christine Banfield

Brendan Banfield's 37-year-old wife, who was stabbed to death.

Joseph Ryan

A 39-year-old man whom Brendan Banfield allegedly 'catfished' on a fetish website and lured to the Banfield home, where he was fatally shot.

Juliana Peres Magalhaes

The 25-year-old au pair who was initially charged with second-degree murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in exchange for testifying against Brendan Banfield.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He was in love with Juliana. He can pretend that this was a fling and affair — he'd had them before, no big deal. He was in love with Juliana. He was afraid of losing her. He needed to get rid of his wife so that they could be together, so that they could marry, so that they could have those babies that he was picking out names for.”

— Jenna Sands, Prosecutor (ksro.com)

“Is it reasonable, after a six- to eight-week affair, that someone is going to try to get rid of their companion of 19 years, wife of 12 years? Is that reasonable? You heard from my client: He thinks it's absurd.”

— John Carroll, Defense Attorney (ksro.com)

“I was extremely terrified. I don't think I've ever been more panicked in my life.”

— Brendan Banfield (ksro.com)

What’s next

The judge is expected to formally sentence Brendan Banfield on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the deadly consequences that can arise when domestic violence, infidelity, and custody battles intersect. It underscores the need for thorough investigations, strong domestic violence laws, and support services to help prevent such tragedies from occurring.