HAND THAT ROCKED THE CRADLE: AU PAIR PLOTS MURDER OF LOVE-RAT-BOSS’ WIFE, HUBBY BUSTED

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

It took over a year for Virginia police to make a second arrest in connection with the murders of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan.

Juliana Peres Magalhães, the au pair caring for Banfield's daughter, faces second-degree murder charges, but only in Joseph Ryan's death. The person indicted in Christine Banfield’s killing is her husband, Brendan Banfield. He faces four counts of aggravated murder and one count of felony firearm use. That day, Banfield told 911 he shot a man who had stabbed his wife.

Investigators say the killings were part of a larger scheme. Peres Magalhães and Brendan Banfield began a romantic relationship in the months leading up to the murders, and allegedly continued the affair afterward. On the day of the murders, Magalhães called 911 to report an emergency.

She hung up during the first call, and more than 10 minutes later, she called again, with Brendan Banfield speaking to the dispatcher. He claimed he shot a man who had stabbed his wife.

According to Peres Magalhães, they found Joseph Ryan holding a knife to Christine Banfield’s throat. She alleged Ryan stabbed Christine Banfield, and Brendan Banfield then shot Ryan. Magalhães also told authorities she fired one shot at Ryan with a second gun.

Prosecutors and police say Brendan Banfield and Juliana Peres Magalhães had been having an affair for months before Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan were killed.

Joining Nancy Grace today:

• Brian Foley – Board-certified Criminal Defense Attorney, Former Chief Prosecutor in Harris County, (Houston) Texas; Author: “What Prosecutors Don’t Tell You”; Instagram @brianfoleylawpllc/ YouTube – @brianfoleylawyer/X: @brianpllc
• Courtney Lasky, M.Ed., LBA, BCBA – Board-certified Behavior Analyst, Autism Expert, and Chief Clinical Officer with Little Stars Therapy Services
• Ron Bateman – Sheriff (Former Homicide and Undercover Narcotics) & Author: “Silent Blue Tears: Voice of The Victims;” X: Ronbatemanbooks
• Dr. Jan Gorniak – Medical Examiner, Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner (Las Vegas, NV), Board Certified Forensic Pathologist
• Sierra Fox - Anchor/Reporter, Fox 5 Washington DC; @thesierrafox: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X

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