Au Pair Receives Maximum Sentence for Role in Lover's Murder Plot
Juliana Peres Magalhães, a 25-year-old Brazilian au pair, was handed the maximum sentence of ten years in prison on Friday for her involvement in a chilling murder plot orchestrated by her employer and lover, Brendan Banfield. The case, which shocked the community in Herndon, Virginia, involved the brutal killings of Banfield's wife, Christine Banfield, 37, and an unrelated man, Joseph Ryan, 39.
Staged Crime Scene and Calculated Violence
According to police and court testimony, Magalhães and Banfield meticulously planned the murders, creating a fake social media account under Christine's name on the BDSM site Fetlife. They impersonated Christine, a pediatric intensive care nurse, to lure Ryan to their $1 million home under the guise of a sexual encounter involving a 'rape fantasy.' The pair staged the scene to make it appear that Ryan had broken in and killed Christine.
Magalhães testified that during the incident, Banfield, a former IRS agent, fatally stabbed his wife in their bedroom while she fatally shot Ryan. She admitted to covering her eyes initially but then shooting Ryan with a gun provided by Banfield when she saw him moving. Blood splatter analysis later revealed that the bodies had been moved, further indicating premeditation.
Judge's Stern Rebuke and Emotional Testimonies
Chief Judge Penney Azcarate delivered a scathing rebuke during sentencing, stating, 'Your actions were deliberate, self-serving, and demonstrated a profound disregard for human life. You do not deserve anything other than incarceration and a life of reflection on what you have done. May it weigh heavily on your soul.' The judge emphasized that Magalhães's involvement was active and crucial, noting, 'The plan did not work without your full involvement.'
Magalhães, speaking through tears, expressed remorse, saying, 'I hope that my cooperation in this case somehow begins to help repair the damage caused.' She reflected on her younger self, a 22-year-old who fell for an older man and lost her morals in the relationship.
Victim impact statements painted a harrowing picture of loss. Joseph Ryan's mother, Deidre Fisher, lamented, 'My son's life was used and thrown away—seen as worthless and utterly disposable.' Ryan's aunt described the perpetrators as 'the worst kind of monsters' who prey on vulnerability.
Evidence of Affair and Denial from Banfield
Investigations revealed disturbing details post-murder. Fairfax County Sgt. Kenneth Fortner testified that items from Magalhães's closet, including lingerie, were moved to the master bedroom, and photos of the Banfields were replaced with images of Brendan and Juliana together. Despite this, Banfield denied any plot during his trial, calling Magalhães's testimony 'absolutely crazy' and insisting there was no plan, though he admitted to the affair.
Banfield was found guilty on February 2 of two counts of aggravated murder, child endangerment, and using a firearm in a murder. He faces a life sentence without parole, with sentencing scheduled for May 8.
This case underscores the tragic consequences of manipulation and violence, leaving families shattered and a community grappling with the depths of human depravity.
