IRS Agent Convicted in Deadly Catfishing Scheme

Brendan Banfield and au pair Juliana Peres Magalhaes plotted to lure an unsuspecting man to the Banfield home, leading to the murder of Banfield's wife Christine.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single piece of physical evidence related to the crime, such as a knife or a bullet casing, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the stark, gritty nature of the investigation.A grim reminder of the violence that can stem from online deception and the abuse of power.Fairfax Today

In a shocking case of murder and deception, IRS agent Brendan Banfield has been convicted of aggravated murder for his role in a deadly catfishing scheme that led to the death of his wife Christine and an unsuspecting man, Joseph Ryan. Banfield and the family's Brazilian au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhaes, created a fake online profile to lure Ryan to the Banfield home, where he was shot and killed. Peres Magalhaes cooperated with authorities and pleaded guilty to manslaughter, while Banfield maintained his innocence before being convicted at trial.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of online deception and the lengths some will go to in order to commit premeditated murder. It also raises questions about the vetting of in-home caregivers and the potential for abuse of power by law enforcement officials. The tragic outcome has shaken the local community and sparked renewed discussions about domestic violence, mental health, and the criminal justice system.

The details

According to prosecutors, Banfield and Peres Magalhaes created a fake profile on the fetish website FetLife, posing as a woman named 'Annastasia9' who was seeking to act out a violent sexual fantasy. They lured Ryan, a man they did not know, to the Banfield home, where Banfield planned to stab his wife Christine and then blame Ryan for the murder. When Ryan arrived, Banfield shot and killed him, then stabbed his wife multiple times, resulting in her death. Peres Magalhaes initially told police a different story, but later confessed and agreed to testify against Banfield in exchange for a reduced sentence.

  • On February 24, 2023, the murders took place in the Banfield home in Herndon, Virginia.
  • In October 2023, Juliana Peres Magalhaes was arrested and charged with Joseph Ryan's murder.
  • In January 2026, Brendan Banfield's trial began in Fairfax County, lasting three weeks.
  • On February 2, 2026, a jury convicted Brendan Banfield of aggravated murder.
  • On February 13, 2026, Juliana Peres Magalhaes was sentenced to 10 years in prison for manslaughter.

The players

Brendan Banfield

A 37-year-old IRS special agent who was convicted of aggravated murder for his role in a deadly catfishing scheme that led to the death of his wife Christine and an unsuspecting man, Joseph Ryan.

Juliana Peres Magalhaes

The Banfield family's 26-year-old Brazilian au pair who cooperated with authorities, pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and testified against Brendan Banfield at his trial.

Christine Banfield

The 37-year-old pediatric ICU nurse who was murdered by her husband Brendan Banfield as part of the catfishing scheme.

Joseph Ryan

A 39-year-old man who was lured to the Banfield home and fatally shot by Brendan Banfield as part of the catfishing plot.

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What they’re saying

“Your actions were deliberate, self-serving and demonstrated a profound disregard for human life. That is the most serious manslaughter scenario that this court has ever seen.”

— Penney Azcarate, Circuit Court Chief Judge

“It made no sense. A person was in an injured state, and yet it still took 13 minutes' for the other call to be placed.”

— Eric Clingan, Prosecutor

“I don't know who is that. Please come here. I'm scared.”

— Juliana Peres Magalhaes, Au Pair

What’s next

Brendan Banfield is set to be sentenced to a mandatory term of life in prison next month.

The takeaway

This tragic case serves as a stark warning about the dangers of online deception and the potential for abuse of power by those in positions of authority. It highlights the need for greater scrutiny of in-home caregivers and a closer examination of the factors that can lead to domestic violence and premeditated murder.