Au Pair Sentenced to 10 Years in Banfield Double Murder Case

Juliana Peres Magalhães pleaded guilty to manslaughter for her role in the killings of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A Brazilian au pair named Juliana Peres Magalhães, 25, was sentenced to the maximum 10 years in prison for her role in a lurid double murder in Virginia. Magalhães had pleaded guilty to manslaughter and testified against her lover, Brendan Banfield, who was convicted of murdering his wife Christine Banfield and another man, Joseph Ryan. The judge cited Magalhães' lack of remorse and her actions during the crimes as reasons for the harsh sentence, which was far longer than what prosecutors had recommended.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex dynamics that can arise when an au pair has an affair with the husband of the family they are working for, leading to tragic consequences. It also raises questions about the role of plea bargains and sentencing recommendations in high-profile murder cases.

The details

Magalhães was having an affair with Brendan Banfield while working as an au pair for the Banfield family. She testified that she helped Banfield murder his wife Christine Banfield and another man, Joseph Ryan, who had been lured to the Banfield home through a sexual fetish website where Magalhães and Banfield posed as Christine. Despite Magalhães' cooperation with prosecutors, the judge sentenced her to the maximum 10 years in prison for manslaughter, citing her lack of remorse and her actions during the crimes.

  • On February 13, 2026, Juliana Peres Magalhães was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The players

Juliana Peres Magalhães

A 25-year-old Brazilian au pair who pleaded guilty to manslaughter for her role in the murders of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan.

Brendan Banfield

The husband of Christine Banfield, who was convicted of murdering his wife and Joseph Ryan.

Christine Banfield

The wife of Brendan Banfield, who was murdered by her husband and the au pair Juliana Peres Magalhães.

Joseph Ryan

A man who was lured to the Banfield home and murdered by Brendan Banfield and Juliana Peres Magalhães.

Judge Penney Azcarate

The judge who sentenced Juliana Peres Magalhães to the maximum 10 years in prison for manslaughter.

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What they’re saying

“Until Friday's sentencing hearing Ms. Magalhães had offered no remorse; that when Ms. Banfield had yelled to her to call 9-1-1, she did not; and when Mr. Ryan, who had been shot in the head by Mr. Banfield, began to move afterward, she shot him in the chest to make sure he was dead.”

— Judge Penney Azcarate, Circuit Court Judge in Fairfax County (The New York Times)

What’s next

The judge's decision to impose the maximum sentence on Juliana Peres Magalhães is likely to be appealed, as it was significantly longer than what prosecutors had recommended.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the dangers that can arise when personal relationships become entangled with professional responsibilities, and the complex legal and ethical considerations that judges must weigh when sentencing defendants who cooperate with prosecutors but are still culpable for serious crimes.