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Au Pair Testifies Against Lover in Double Murder Case

1/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Juliana Peres Magalhães, a Brazilian au pair, testified against Brendan Banfield in the February 2023 killings of Christine and Joseph Ryan, a case that has drawn media attention.
Magalhães had an affair with Brendan Banfield.
She described their plot to frame Joseph Ryan for the murders.
Magalhães pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in exchange for testifying.
Brendan Banfield, who has pleaded not guilty, faces aggravated murder charges.

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Story summary

Juliana Peres Magalhães, a Brazilian au pair, testified against Brendan Banfield in the February 2023 killings of Christine and Joseph Ryan, a case that has drawn media attention.
Magalhães had an affair with Brendan Banfield.
She described their plot to frame Joseph Ryan for the murders.
Magalhães pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in exchange for testifying.
Brendan Banfield, who has pleaded not guilty, faces aggravated murder charges.