Au Pair's Jailhouse Letters Reveal Love, Guilt in Double Murder

Juliana Peres Magalhães, a former au pair, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter for her involvement in the 2023 double homicide of a Virginia couple. Testifying at the murder trial of Brendan Banfield, the husband, Magalhães read jailhouse letters professing her love for him. She admitted her plea was the "right thing to do" due to overwhelming guilt and shame regarding the killings of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan.

Magalhães revealed that Banfield plotted to kill his wife to pursue a relationship with her. She testified about her role in luring Ryan to the family's home, which led to the fatal confrontation. In letters, she offered to take the blame for Banfield, expressing a desire to protect him despite conflicting statements about her willingness to serve a prison sentence.

Furthermore, Magalhães disclosed that after her legal expenses were no longer covered, news producers began funding her commissary needs in exchange for her story rights. She expressed plans to write a book or make a movie, potentially with Netflix, to earn money for her family in Brazil. Banfield faces life in prison if convicted.