A young Brazilian nanny has confessed to her involvement in the tragic deaths of a couple who were lured to her residence, describing the double homicide as part of a twisted scheme. Juliana Peres Magalhaes, 23, revealed chilling details during a recorded interview in October 2024, where she disclosed a BDSM-influenced plan orchestrated with her alleged former partner, Brendan Banfield, 39.
The interview, obtained by NBC4, outlined the events leading up to the fatalities of Joseph Ryan and Christine Banfield. Christine was fatally injured after being stabbed in her home on February 24, 2023, succumbing to her wounds in the hospital. Meanwhile, Ryan, known for his passion for mixed martial arts, was discovered nearby with gunshot wounds to his head and chest.
Initially, investigators were misled to believe that Ryan was a trespasser who had assaulted Ms. Banfield. However, the truth later unraveled to reveal a much darker narrative. Prosecutors claim that Peres Magalhaes and Banfield, a former agent for the Internal Revenue Service’s criminal division, began an affair after she moved into their household with their young daughter.
Peres Magalhaes recounted to prosecutors that Banfield had expressed a desire to eliminate his wife around October 2022, indicating a more sinister intent than divorce. Months before the tragic incidents, Banfield allegedly engaged with Ryan on the bondage platform FetLife.com, seeking a participant for a premeditated rape fantasy.
Further revelations from the interview suggested that Peres Magalhaes and Banfield orchestrated a scenario where Christine was asleep when Ryan arrived at their residence. Peres Magalhaes claimed that the events were framed as part of a game, leading to the fatal outcome where Ryan was shot by Banfield and Christine was stabbed.
In October 2023, Peres Magalhaes faced charges of second-degree murder and firearm use in Ryan’s death, ultimately accepting a plea deal for manslaughter in October 2024. Banfield, on the other hand, was indicted in September 2024 on multiple charges related to the deaths and is scheduled for trial in October 2025.
Prosecutors have agreed to recommend Peres Magalhaes’ release with credit for time served post-Banfield’s trial, contingent upon her ongoing cooperation. This information was reported by the New York Times.