Juliana Peres Magalhaes, a 24-year-old au pair from Virginia, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the 2023 murders of her employer’s wife and another man. The plea is part of an agreement with prosecutors, who have reduced her charges from second-degree murder in exchange for her cooperation in the upcoming trial of her employer, Brendan Banfield.
Magalhaes and Banfield were allegedly involved in an extramarital affair that began in August 2022. According to the plea agreement, Banfield expressed his desire to “be rid of” his wife, Christine Banfield. Prosecutors allege that Banfield created a profile on the sexual fetish site FetLife, where he found a man named Joe Ryan. Magalhaes was then allegedly instructed to call Ryan, pretending to be Christine Banfield, to confirm both were willing to engage in sex at her home with the use of “restraints.”
In February 2023, when Ryan arrived at the house, Banfield allegedly shot him in the head and then stabbed his wife to death. Magalhaes also shot Ryan, according to the prosecution agreement. She then allegedly called 911 and pretended Ryan had been an intruder.
Magalhaes, who was initially facing second-degree murder charges in connection to Ryan’s death, could face up to 10 years in prison. Her sentencing is scheduled to take place on March 21, after Banfield’s February trial. Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano said in a statement, “Today’s agreement marks a significant step forward in this case, and it is an important development in our pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.” (ABC News)
Recent Comments