Brazilian au pair sentenced to 10 years for killing man in murder plot against lover's wife

Juliana Peres Magalhães pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2023 killing of Joseph Ryan.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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An au pair from Brazil, Juliana Peres Magalhães, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday for her role in a murder plot against her employer-turned-lover's wife. Magalhães pleaded guilty to a downgraded manslaughter charge for fatally shooting Joseph Ryan as her lover, Brendan Banfield, was stabbing his wife Christine to death in their bedroom. Prosecutors had originally recommended Magalhães be released after testifying against Banfield, who was convicted of aggravated murder in the double killing.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of a twisted love triangle and the complex legal issues surrounding accomplice liability in murder cases. It raises questions about the appropriate sentences for those who cooperate with authorities but are still culpable in the deaths of innocent victims.

The details

According to prosecutors, Magalhães, then 22, schemed with Banfield to kill his wife Christine and Ryan, who had connected with a fake social media account set up by the couple. Magalhães testified that she and Banfield took their 4-year-old child to the basement, then found Ryan surprising Christine in the couple's bedroom. Magalhães said Banfield shot Ryan and then began stabbing his wife, and that she fired the second shot that killed Ryan when she saw him moving.

  • Magalhães and Banfield killed Joseph Ryan and Christine Banfield in February 2023.
  • Magalhães pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced on February 13, 2026.
  • Banfield was convicted by a jury of aggravated murder earlier in January 2026.

The players

Juliana Peres Magalhães

A 22-year-old Brazilian au pair who schemed with her employer-turned-lover to kill his wife and another man.

Brendan Banfield

Magalhães' employer-turned-lover 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 as part of the murder plot against Banfield's wife.

Christine Banfield

Brendan Banfield's wife who was fatally stabbed by her husband as part of the murder plot.

Deirdre Fisher

Joseph Ryan's mother who described him 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

“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

“I say good morning to him each day when I turn on the tree's lights. But of course that's not Joe sitting there. He can't say 'I love you' back.”

— Deirdre Fisher, Joseph Ryan's mother

What’s next

Brendan Banfield's sentencing for the aggravated murder convictions is initially set for May 2026.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of a twisted love triangle and the complex legal issues surrounding accomplice liability in murder cases. It raises important questions about appropriate sentences for those who cooperate with authorities but are still culpable in the deaths of innocent victims.