FAIRFAX, Va. — A 10-year prison sentence was handed down to a former au pair who plotted with her employer, now a convicted murderer, to kill his wife and another man. Juliana Peres Magalhães accepted a plea deal for a reduced manslaughter charge related to the killing of Joseph Ryan, which occurred in February 2023. Instead of facing a second-degree murder trial, she became a key witness for the prosecution.
Magalhães admitted to fatally shooting Ryan while Brendan Banfield was stabbing his wife, Christine, in the couple’s bedroom. Banfield was found guilty of aggravated murder earlier this month for both killings.
During her sentencing, Magalhães expressed remorse, telling the victims’ families, “I know my remorse cannot bring you peace.” As she wiped away tears, she explained her belief that Banfield’s violent scheme would never come to fruition.
In a surprising move, Judge Penney Azcarate imposed the maximum sentence, emphasizing that prison time was the only appropriate outcome for her actions. “You do not deserve anything other than incarceration and a life of reflection on what you have done,” the judge stated firmly.
Testimony during Banfield’s trial revealed the lengths he and Magalhães went to orchestrate the events leading to the tragic incident. The two created a social media account in the name of Banfield’s wife, a pediatric nurse, and lured Ryan to what was intended to be a sexual encounter involving a knife.
Magalhães, then 22 years old, explained how they took Banfield’s child to the basement before confronting Ryan in the couple’s bedroom. As Banfield stabbed his wife, Magalhães described her decision to fire the lethal shot at Ryan after witnessing him move.
Although she was not arrested immediately, the prosecution was concerned that she might flee to Brazil if granted bail. This apprehension kept her in custody for eight months prior to her plea deal, during which she initially remained silent about the incident. It wasn’t until her trial date approached that she began cooperating with authorities.
“I lost myself in a relationship and left my morals and values behind,” Magalhães told the court, acknowledging her role in the events.
The judge responded harshly, reminding her of the direct role she played in Ryan’s death, as she had encouraged him to bring a knife, ultimately leading to his fatal encounter.
The emotional toll on the victims’ families was palpable during the proceedings. Deirdre Fisher, Ryan’s mother, described him as her “greatest gift” and shared her anguish over his untimely death. Christmas now serves as a constant reminder of her loss, with an urn holding Ryan’s ashes prominently displayed under their Christmas tree.
Ryan’s relatives painted a picture of a vibrant young man whose life was cut short. Describing him as inquisitive and talkative, his aunt Sangeeta Ryan shared how his tragic murder left their family devastated. His grandmother, who depended on him for care, was particularly affected, moving away to escape the memories of their shared home.
Christine Banfield’s family members were present in court as well, with hopes of justice as a sentencing date for Banfield approaches in May. The families grapple with the aftermath of this double tragedy, seeking closure in a case that has drawn significant attention and sorrow.