HERNDON, Va. — Virginia Au Pair Accepts Plea Deal in Double Homicide Case
Juliana Peres Magalhaes, a 24-year-old au pair from Northern Virginia, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the February 2023 shooting death of Joseph Ryan, age 39. The incident occurred in the home where she was employed, marking a grim chapter in a complex love affair that entwined Magalhaes, her employer Brendan Banfield, and Banfield’s wife, Christine.
On February 24, police discovered Ryan shot in the Banfield home shortly after Magalhaes returned from a zoo trip with the couple’s daughter. Prosecutors revealed that Magalhaes and Banfield, 39, had been engaged in a sexual relationship for several months leading up to the incident. Allegedly, Banfield conspired with Magalhaes to eliminate his wife, who was later found to have been stabbed by Banfield himself.
After initially facing charges of second-degree murder and firearm possession, Magalhaes accepted a plea deal that could see her sentenced to up to 10 years in prison—her sentencing is scheduled for March 21, 2025. Banfield is currently facing aggravated murder charges and is set for trial on February 3, 2025, potentially facing a life sentence.
Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano emphasized the importance of the plea deal in advancing justice for the victims’ families, while legal expert Kush Arora suggested that Magalhaes’ cooperation may significantly impact Banfield’s case.
Court documents depict a chilling narrative, reportedly involving online manipulation to lure Ryan to the scene under false pretenses. Christine Banfield, unable to be reached due to her phone being switched off and hidden by her husband, succumbed to her injuries shortly after. The disturbing case continues to unfold as further investigations and trials approach.
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