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IRS Agent's Affair Leads to Wife's Murder, Guilty Plea

1/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Juliana Peres Magalhães, 25, and IRS agent Brendan Banfield, 40, are linked to the February 2022 murder of Banfield's wife, Christine, in Virginia.
Magalhães shared selfies with Banfield before the murder, showing their affair and plans to fake a rape.
After Christine's death, Magalhães moved into the home and displayed troubling behavior.
Magalhães was arrested in October 2023 and pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
Banfield faces life in prison if convicted.

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Story summary

Juliana Peres Magalhães, 25, and IRS agent Brendan Banfield, 40, are linked to the February 2022 murder of Banfield's wife, Christine, in Virginia.
Magalhães shared selfies with Banfield before the murder, showing their affair and plans to fake a rape.
After Christine's death, Magalhães moved into the home and displayed troubling behavior.
Magalhães was arrested in October 2023 and pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
Banfield faces life in prison if convicted.