Au pair sentenced to 10 years for role in double homicide
Au pair Juliana Peres Magalhães was sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter on February 13, 2026, in Fairfax, Virginia, for her role in the February 2023 killings of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan. As of February 13, 2026: Magalhães received the maximum sentence despite prosecutors recommending a lighter term for her cooperation. Chief Circuit Court Judge Penney S. Azcarate cited the "intentional and calculated level of violence" in her decision, stating Magalhães' actions were "deliberate, self-serving, and demonstrated a profound disregard for human life." Brendan Banfield, who orchestrated the killings with Magalhães, was convicted of murder on February 3, 2026, with his sentencing scheduled for May 8.
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February 2026 — 3 developments
Au pair Juliana Peres Magalhães has been sentenced to the maximum 10 years for manslaughter in the deaths of Joseph Ryan and Christine Banfield.
Au pair Juliana Peres Magalhães has been sentenced to the maximum 10 years for manslaughter in the deaths of Joseph Ryan and Christine Banfield. Chief Circuit Court Judge Penney S. Azcarate cited the "intentional and calculated level of violence" in her decision, despite prosecutors initially recommending a lighter sentence for Magalhães' cooperation. The judge stated Magalhães' actions were "deliberate, self-serving, and demonstrated a profound disregard for human life."
Juliana Peres Magalhães, an au pair who plotted with Brendan Banfield in a double-murder scheme, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Juliana Peres Magalhães, an au pair who plotted with Brendan Banfield in a double-murder scheme, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. She pleaded guilty to a downgraded manslaughter charge in connection with the February 2023 killings of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan. Prosecutors had recommended immediate release for her cooperation.
Brendan Banfield has been convicted of the murders of his wife, Christine Banfield, and Joseph Ryan.
Brendan Banfield has been convicted of the murders of his wife, Christine Banfield, and Joseph Ryan. Prosecutors stated that Banfield orchestrated the killings with his lover, Juliana Peres Magalhães. Sentencing for Banfield is scheduled for May 8.
January 2026 — 3 developments
Magalhães faced intense cross-examination as a key witness in Banfield's trial.
Magalhães faced intense cross-examination as a key witness in Banfield's trial.
Magalhães continued her testimony, detailing the events and her role.
Magalhães continued her testimony, detailing the events and her role. She stated that her health in jail and isolation pushed her to cooperate with authorities.
Brendan Banfield's trial began, with opening statements presented.
Brendan Banfield's trial began, with opening statements presented. Magalhães testified that she and Banfield had plotted to kill his wife and Ryan, whom they lured from a fetish website to frame as an intruder.
October 2024 — 3 developments
Juliana Peres Magalhães has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with a double-murder scheme.
Juliana Peres Magalhães has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with a double-murder scheme. Prosecutors allege the plot aimed to frame another man for the stabbing death of Christine Banfield. Magalhães' plea follows her cooperation with authorities.
Juliana Peres Magalhães pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the shooting death of Joseph Ryan on February 24, 2023.
Juliana Peres Magalhães pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the shooting death of Joseph Ryan on February 24, 2023. Ryan was killed at the residence where Magalhães worked as an au pair for Brendan and Christine Banfield. Magalhães is 24 years old.
Magalhães provided a recorded interview to prosecutors detailing the alleged plot with Banfield, as part of her plea deal.
Magalhães provided a recorded interview to prosecutors detailing the alleged plot with Banfield, as part of her plea deal.
September 2024 — 1 developments
Brendan Banfield was indicted by a Fairfax County grand jury on charges of aggravated murder and use…
Brendan Banfield was indicted by a Fairfax County grand jury on charges of aggravated murder and use of a firearm in connection with the deaths of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan.
April 2024 — 1 developments
Prosecutors presented records showing that two months before the shooting, Magalhães and Brendan Banfield visited a shooting range.
Prosecutors presented records showing that two months before the shooting, Magalhães and Brendan Banfield visited a shooting range. A few weeks later, Banfield purchased a gun that was later used to shoot Joseph Ryan.
November 2023 — 1 developments
Magalhães wrote a letter from jail expressing her distress and love for Banfield, stating she would take the blame for both of them.
Magalhães wrote a letter from jail expressing her distress and love for Banfield, stating she would take the blame for both of them.
October 2023 — 1 developments
Juliana Peres Magalhães was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the deaths.
Juliana Peres Magalhães was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the deaths.
February 2023 — 1 developments
Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan were killed in their Herndon, Virginia home.
Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan were killed in their Herndon, Virginia home. Brendan Banfield claimed Ryan was an intruder attacking his wife, but prosecutors allege Banfield and Magalhães lured Ryan to the house as part of a plot to kill Christine and frame Ryan.
October 2022 — 1 developments
Brendan Banfield allegedly expressed interest in getting rid of his wife, Christine Banfield, to Juliana Peres Magalhães around this time.
Brendan Banfield allegedly expressed interest in getting rid of his wife, Christine Banfield, to Juliana Peres Magalhães around this time. He reportedly stated that divorce was not an option and he was considering other ways to remove her from the picture.