Brazilian au pair sentenced to 10 years for killing man in murder plot

Juliana Peres Magalhães confessed to scheming with her lover to kill his wife and another man

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A 22-year-old Brazilian au pair has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in a murder plot that resulted in the deaths of two people. Juliana Peres Magalhães pleaded guilty to manslaughter for fatally shooting Joseph Ryan, while her lover, Brendan Banfield, stabbed his wife Christine to death in their bedroom. Magalhães testified that she and Banfield, an IRS agent, had created a fake social media account to lure Ryan to the couple's home, where the killings took place.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of a twisted murder plot, as well as the challenges faced by authorities in prosecuting complex crimes involving multiple perpetrators. The sentencing also raises questions about the role of power dynamics and manipulation in intimate partner violence.

The details

According to prosecutors, Magalhães and Banfield schemed to kill Banfield's wife, Christine, and another man, Joseph Ryan. They created a fake social media account in Christine's name to lure Ryan to the couple's home, where Banfield stabbed his wife to death and Magalhães fatally shot Ryan. Magalhães initially did not cooperate with investigators, but later became a key witness against Banfield, who was convicted of aggravated murder.

  • In February 2023, the killings of Joseph Ryan and Christine Banfield took place.
  • Juliana Peres Magalhães was not arrested until eight months later, in October 2023.
  • On February 13, 2026, Magalhães was sentenced to the maximum 10-year prison term for her role in the murders.

The players

Juliana Peres Magalhães

A 22-year-old Brazilian au pair who pleaded guilty to manslaughter for her role in the murder plot.

Brendan Banfield

An IRS agent who was convicted by a jury of aggravated murder in the deaths of his wife, Christine, and Joseph Ryan.

Joseph Ryan

The man who was fatally shot by Magalhães after being lured to the Banfield home under the pretense of a sexual encounter.

Christine Banfield

The wife of Brendan Banfield, who was stabbed to death by her husband during the murder plot.

Deirdre Fisher

The mother of Joseph Ryan, who described her son as her "greatest gift" and struggles with his sudden murder.

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What they’re saying

“I know my remorse cannot bring you peace. I hope you can someday understand that I really did not believe his plan would actually happen.”

— Juliana Peres Magalhães (WRAL)

“Let's get it straight: You do not deserve anything other than incarceration and a life of reflection on what you have done to the victim and his family. May it weigh heavily on your soul.”

— Judge Penney Azcarate (WRAL)

“His sudden murder devastated his grandma — she could no longer live in the family home without Joe.”

— Sangeeta Ryan, Nephew of Joseph Ryan (WRAL)

What’s next

Brendan Banfield's sentencing for the murders of his wife and Joseph Ryan is initially set for May.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating consequences of intimate partner violence and the importance of addressing power imbalances and manipulation in relationships. It also highlights the challenges faced by authorities in prosecuting complex crimes involving multiple perpetrators.