Brazilian au pair gets 10-year sentence for scheme to kill lovers wife and another man
3 minute readPublished: Friday, February 13, 2026 at 6:26 pm
Brazilian Au Pair Sentenced to 10 Years in Murder-for-Hire Scheme
RICHMOND, VA – A Brazilian au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhes, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in a plot to kill her employer's wife and another man. The sentencing, delivered on Friday, marks the culmination of a case that has captivated the public.
Magalhes, who initially remained silent for months, eventually cooperated with prosecutors, leading to a guilty plea on a downgraded manslaughter charge. She testified that she shot Joseph Ryan, while her lover, Brendan Banfield, fatally stabbed his wife, Christine. The killings occurred in February 2023.
The judge, Penney S. Azcarate, delivered the maximum possible sentence, rejecting the prosecution's recommendation for immediate release. During the sentencing, Magalhes expressed remorse, stating she "lost herself in a relationship." Judge Azcarate, however, showed little leniency, emphasizing the severity of the crime and the impact on the victims' families.
Banfield, an IRS agent, was convicted of aggravated murder earlier this month. The court heard testimony that Magalhes and Banfield continued their affair for months after the killings. Evidence presented at trial revealed a scheme where Banfield created a social media account in his wife's name to lure Ryan into a sexual encounter.
Magalhes's testimony described the events of the night, including taking the couple's child to the basement before entering the bedroom where the killings took place. She claimed Banfield shot Ryan, and she fired the second shot. She was not arrested until eight months later and only began cooperating with investigators as her own trial date approached.
Banfield's attorney questioned Magalhes's motives, suggesting she was simply providing the testimony the prosecution desired. Despite the plea agreement, which included a recommendation for release, the judge ultimately imposed the maximum sentence allowed under Virginia law for manslaughter.
BNN's Perspective: This case highlights the devastating consequences of infidelity and the complexities of the justice system. While the judge's decision to impose the maximum sentence reflects the gravity of the crime, it also underscores the importance of considering the full context of the situation, including the defendant's cooperation and remorse. The case serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of human relationships and the potential for tragic outcomes when boundaries are crossed.
Keywords: au pair, murder, sentencing, manslaughter, Brendan Banfield, Juliana Peres Magalhes, Joseph Ryan, Christine, Virginia, court, guilty plea, prison, crime, investigation, affair.