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Nurse Murdered: Husband Allegedly Staged Attack for Au Pair

1/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Christine Banfield, a 37-year-old nurse dedicated to helping sexual assault victims, was murdered in February 2023.
Her husband Brendan Banfield, 40, is accused of orchestrating her death to pursue a relationship with their daughter's au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães.
Prosecutors allege Brendan staged a rape attempt, leading to Christine's fatal stabbing.
Banfield pleaded not guilty, claiming the plot was fabricated by Juliana Peres Magalhães under pressure from prosecutors.

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Story summary

Christine Banfield, a 37-year-old nurse dedicated to helping sexual assault victims, was murdered in February 2023.
Her husband Brendan Banfield, 40, is accused of orchestrating her death to pursue a relationship with their daughter's au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães.
Prosecutors allege Brendan staged a rape attempt, leading to Christine's fatal stabbing.
Banfield pleaded not guilty, claiming the plot was fabricated by Juliana Peres Magalhães under pressure from prosecutors.