Brazilian Au Pair Sentenced to 10 Years for Murder Plot

Juliana Peres Magalhães schemed with lover to kill his wife and another man.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A Brazilian au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in a murder plot to kill her employer-turned-lover's wife and another man. Magalhães had pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge and testified against Brendan Banfield, who was convicted of aggravated murder in the deaths of his wife Christine and Joseph Ryan.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of toxic relationships and the consequences of getting involved in violent criminal schemes. It also raises questions about the role of au pairs and the need for better oversight and screening processes to protect vulnerable families.

The details

Prosecutors said Magalhães and Banfield, an IRS agent, created a fake social media account in Christine Banfield's name to lure Joseph Ryan, who they then killed. Magalhães testified that she and Banfield took their 4-year-old child to the basement before Banfield stabbed his wife and Magalhães shot Ryan.

  • In February 2023, the murders of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan took place.
  • Magalhães was not arrested until 8 months later, in October 2023.
  • Magalhães agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and testify against Banfield in early 2024.
  • Banfield was convicted by a jury of aggravated murder in February 2026.
  • Magalhães was sentenced to 10 years in prison on February 14, 2026.

The players

Juliana Peres Magalhães

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

Brendan Banfield

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

Christine Banfield

The wife of Brendan Banfield, who was killed in the murder plot.

Joseph Ryan

The other man who was killed in the murder plot.

Penney S. Azcarate

The Fairfax Chief Circuit Court Judge who sentenced Magalhães to the maximum 10-year sentence.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Penney S. Azcarate, Fairfax Chief Circuit Court Judge (ksgf.com)

“I know my remorse cannot bring you peace. I lost myself in a relationship, and left my morals and values behind.”

— Juliana Peres Magalhães (ksgf.com)

What’s next

Brendan Banfield is scheduled to be sentenced for his aggravated murder convictions in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the importance of thorough background checks and monitoring for au pairs, as well as the need for greater awareness and support to prevent individuals from becoming entangled in dangerous relationships that can lead to horrific acts of violence.