Au Pair Enters Plea Deal in Virginia Double Murder Case
Fairfax, Va. — October 29, 2024— Juliana Peres Magalhães, the au pair linked to a notorious double murder case in Virginia, has accepted a plea deal, prosecutors confirmed. On Tuesday, Magalhães pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the shooting death of Joseph Ryan on February 24, 2023. While details surrounding the plea agreement remain confidential due to Brendan Banfield’s imminent trial, Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano emphasized that vital evidence was presented resulting in the plea.
Brendan Banfield, implicated in the murders of Ryan and his wife, Christine Banfield, was indicted last month. Prosecutors assert that he and Magalhães were involved in an affair, which allegedly played a significant role in the tragic events. Magalhães, hired as an au pair for the Banfield family, reportedly placed several 911 calls on the day of the incident, initially hanging up twice before finally reporting the emergency. During the third call, Banfield claimed he shot Ryan in defense of his wife, who he alleged had been stabbed.
Evidence also indicates that Magalhães and Banfield continued their relationship even after the shocking murders. Following her arrest in October 2023 for Ryan’s death, Magalhães was slated to stand trial in November. The developments in this high-profile case raise serious questions about the nature of the relationship between the parties involved and the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
As the legal proceedings continue, the focus will now shift to Banfield’s upcoming trial, where more details surrounding this tragic case are expected to emerge.
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