Prosecutor investigated for handling of non-citizen cases
Brendan Banfield was sentenced to life in prison on "2026-06-08" for orchestrating the murders of his wife, Christine Banfield, and Joseph Ryan, while his former au pair and lover, Juliana Peres Magalhães, received a 10-year sentence for manslaughter. As of "2026-05-27", the Department of Justice has opened an investigation into Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano over his office's handling of cases involving non-citizens, prompted by concerns over alleged leniency in Magalhães' plea deal. Magalhães pleaded guilty to manslaughter in "2024-10-29" for her role in the double-murder scheme, which prosecutors stated was devised by Banfield to avoid divorcing his wife due to custody fears. Chief Circuit Court Judge Penney S. Azcarate cited the "intentional and calculated level of violence" in her decision to sentence Magalhães to the maximum 10 years, despite prosecutors initially recommending a lighter sentence for her cooperation.
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June 2026 — 1 developments
Brendan Banfield sentenced to life in prison for orchestrating murders
Brendan Banfield has been sentenced to life in prison for orchestrating the murders of his wife, Christine Banfield, and Joseph Ryan. His former au pair and lover, Juliana Peres Magalhães, who testified against him, received a 10-year sentence for manslaughter. The scheme was devised because Banfield did not want to divorce his wife due to custody fears.
May 2026 — 1 developments
DOJ Investigates Fairfax Prosecutor Over Handling of Cases Involving Non-Citizens
The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano over his office's handling of cases involving non-citizens. This action was prompted by concerns over alleged leniency, including the plea deal recommendation for au pair Juliana Peres Magalhães, which a judge ultimately rejected.
February 2026 — 3 developments
Au pair Juliana Peres Magalhães sentenced to 10 years for role in double homicide
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 sentenced to 10 years for double-murder plot
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 Convicted of Murders of Wife 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 Cross-Examined as Key Witness in Banfield Trial
Magalhães faced intense cross-examination as a key witness in Banfield's trial.
Magalhães testifies health issues in jail led to cooperation with authorities
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 begins with testimony of murder plot
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 Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in 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 Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Joseph Ryan Shooting
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 provides recorded interview to prosecutors detailing alleged plot
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 Indicted for Aggravated Murder and Firearm Use in Fairfax County
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 present records of Magalhães and Banfield visiting shooting range before fatal shooting
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 writes letter from jail, takes blame for herself and Banfield
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 arrested, charged with second-degree murder
Juliana Peres Magalhães was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the deaths.
February 2023 — 1 developments
Brendan Banfield Accused of Plotting Wife's Murder and Framing Another Man
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
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.