Banfield murder case: Au pair Juliana Magalhães sentenced to 10 years in prison

WATCH: Au pair sentenced to ten years in prison for murder of Joseph Ryan

Juliana Magalhães has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the February 2023 killing of Joseph Ryan. She testified that she shot Ryan while Brendan Banfield fatally stabbed his wife, Christine, in the couple’s bedroom. Magalhães pleaded guilty to a reduced manslaughter charge in Ryan’s death after agreeing to cooperate with prosecutors in their case against Brendan Banfield, who was convicted this month of aggravated murder in both killings.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. - An au pair who admitted plotting with her employer‑turned‑lover to kill his wife and another man was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison.

Judge Penney Azcarate handed down the sentence to Juliana Peres Magalhães for the February 2023 killing of Joseph Ryan. She will also serve two years of probation after her release.

Breaking down judge's sentence: 10 years for au pair in murder plot

What was expected to be a routine hearing with a negotiated recommendation for time served took a dramatic turn when the judge rejected leniency and handed down the maximum 10-year sentence. In emotional testimony, Juliana Magalhaes apologized through tears — but the court wasn’t persuaded.

READ MORE: Deadly Desire? Brendan Banfield on Trial

Joseph Ryan’s mother, Deirdre Fisher, spoke by video call during the hearing. "I lost my peace and sense of well-being," she said. "I can never unhear Joe's moans and cries after he was shot, the cries of a dying man."

"For us, Joe did not just die on February 23, he was murdered over and over again every time lies were spoken," said his aunt, Sanita Ryan, who was present in the courtroom.

Magalhães sat with her hands folded in front of her face as she listened, showing visible emotion when the sentence was handed down.

Victim's mother reads heartbreaking statement in au pair sentencing

The family of victim Joseph Ryan read impact statements during the sentencing of Juliana Magalhães for the February 2023 killing of Ryan. She testified that she shot Ryan while Brendan Banfield fatally stabbed his wife, Christine, in the couple’s bedroom. Magalhães pleaded guilty to a reduced manslaughter charge in Ryan’s death after agreeing to cooperate with prosecutors in their case against Brendan Banfield, who was convicted this month of aggravated murder in both killings.

What we know:

Magalhães testified that she shot Ryan while Brendan Banfield fatally stabbed his wife, Christine, in the couple’s bedroom.

She pleaded guilty to a reduced manslaughter charge in Ryan’s death after agreeing to cooperate with prosecutors in their case against Banfield, who was convicted this month of aggravated murder in both killings.

Prosecutors said Magalhães and Banfield were having an affair in the months leading up to the attacks and continued their relationship afterward.

During Banfield’s trial, Magalhães testified that she and Banfield, an IRS agent, created an online account in Christine Banfield’s name on a fetish platform. Ryan connected with the account and agreed to meet for a sexual encounter involving a knife.

READ MORE: Brendan Banfield ruled guilty in au pair murder trial

Magalhães said she and Banfield took the couple’s 4‑year‑old child to the basement before entering the bedroom, where she said Banfield shot Ryan and stabbed his wife in the neck. When she saw Ryan move, she testified, she fired the second shot that killed him.

She was not arrested until eight months later and remained silent for more than a year, only deciding to talk as her own trial approached.

Banfield’s attorney challenged her credibility, arguing she was telling prosecutors what they wanted to hear.

"People all over the world who watched this trial saw that Juliana's testimony was invaluable in helping the jury understand the convoluted double-murder plot orchestrated by Brendan Banfield. No prison sentence can address the harm created by her actions," said Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano in a statement. "Today’s hearing was dedicated specifically to Joe, a beloved son, nephew, and grandson, who was a perfect stranger to Magalhaes and Brendan Banfield and tragically ensnared in their plot. The court cannot bring Joe back to his loved ones, but the court can ensure that Brendan, the mastermind behind this scheme, faces a lifetime in prison for his murder."

As part of her plea deal, both sides recommended that she be released at sentencing, but Azcarate rejected the agreement. In Virginia, manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.