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Au Pair's Jailhouse Letters Reveal Love, Guilt in Double Murder
15 Jan
Summary
- Au pair admitted manslaughter plea for role in 2023 double homicide.
- Jailhouse letters reveal au pair's love for husband and guilt.
- She planned to profit from her story through books or documentaries.

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.




