Brazilian Au Pair Sentenced to 10 Years for Murder Scheme

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

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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An au pair from Brazil, Juliana Peres Magalhães, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in a murder scheme involving her employer-turned-lover, Brendan Banfield. Magalhães admitted to fatally shooting Joseph Ryan as Banfield stabbed his wife, Christine, to death in their bedroom. The two had created a social media account to lure Ryan for a sexual encounter involving a knife, and then killed him and Christine.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of toxic relationships and the lengths some will go to in order to cover up their crimes. It also raises questions about the screening and oversight of au pairs, who are often in positions of trust with families.

The details

Magalhães pleaded guilty to a downgraded manslaughter charge in exchange for her testimony against Banfield, who was convicted of aggravated murder. The two had maintained their affair for months after the killings. Magalhães said she and Banfield took the couple's 4-year-old child to the basement before entering the bedroom, where Banfield shot Ryan and stabbed his wife. Magalhães then fired the second shot that killed Ryan.

  • In February 2023, the murders of Joseph Ryan and Christine Banfield occurred.
  • Magalhães was not arrested until 8 months later, in October 2023.
  • Magalhães remained silent for over a year before agreeing to cooperate with prosecutors in their case against Brendan Banfield.

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.

Joseph Ryan

A man who was lured to the Banfield home for a sexual encounter involving a knife and was subsequently killed.

Christine Banfield

The wife of Brendan Banfield, who was stabbed to death in her own bedroom.

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What they’re saying

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

— 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.”

— Penney S. Azcarate, Fairfax Chief Circuit Court Judge

What’s next

Brendan Banfield will be sentenced for his crimes at a later date.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the dangers of toxic relationships and the importance of proper screening and oversight of au pairs who are entrusted with caring for families. It serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences that can occur when moral boundaries are crossed.