Scheming Husband's Filthy Catfish Murder Plot? | Au Pair Murder, Brendan Banfield

Brendan Banfield and Juliana Perez Magalhaes allegedly created a Fetlife account under Christine's name to find a man willing to engage in violent BDSM roleplay. They lured Joseph Ryan to the house, convincing him Christine wanted rough sex and her clothes cut off with a knife. Christine had no knowledge of this, believing she was being attacked by a stranger.

Juliana's confession details Brendan creating the Fetlife account, both of them communicating with Ryan via Telegram pretending to be Christine, and Juliana making a call to Ryan to confirm details and consensual nature of the encounter. Christine's family and friends stated the communications did not sound like her. (14:45, 15:42, 16:22, 17:27, 18:44)

The alleged plot involved extensive planning to create a believable home invasion scenario. This included replacing windows with sound-dampening glass, Brendan taking Juliana to gun ranges, staging fake 911 calls from the nanny to Christine's hidden phone, and Brendan making calls to Christine's phone he knew was off. They even swapped phones and Apple IDs weeks before the murder to obscure digital trails.

Juliana confessed Brendan replaced windows and tested their soundproofing. She was trained to use a gun. They placed decoy calls to Christine's phone (which they had hidden and turned off) and Brendan's phone to establish a false narrative for police. Brendan also changed his routine to be near a McDonald's for a quick return. (14:14, 14:34, 23:15, 24:25, 24:56, 55:00)

Juliana Perez Magalhaes, after nearly a year in custody, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and agreed to testify against Brendan Banfield. Her charges were reduced from aggravated murder, with prosecutors recommending time served and deportation to Brazil after the trial. This lenient deal is a major point of contention for the host and guest.

Juliana was arrested in October 2023, Brendan in September 2024. Juliana pleaded guilty, and her charges were reduced to manslaughter with a maximum of 10 years, with prosecutors recommending time served and deportation. She detailed the entire plot in her confession. (12:15, 12:41, 48:46)

On the day of the murders, Joseph Ryan arrived, and Christine woke up to a stranger with a knife. Brendan then entered, shot Ryan, and then allegedly stabbed his terrified wife, Christine, to death. Juliana then delivered a 'kill shot' to the still-moving Ryan. Christine's last words were a warning to Brendan and a plea for Juliana to call 911.

Juliana testified that Christine yelled, 'Brendan, he has a knife!' and told Juliana to call 911. Brendan shot Ryan, then stabbed Christine multiple times in the neck. Juliana admitted to firing a final shot into Ryan. (26:00, 29:03, 33:45, 36:02, 38:08)

The defense disputes the catfishing theory, suggesting investigators fabricated it and that Christine herself was communicating with Joseph Ryan. They also challenge Juliana's credibility as a 'flipped' witness seeking a lighter sentence, highlighting her 'I don't know' and 'I can't recall' responses during cross-examination.

The defense argues the catfishing theory was manufactured and that Christine's device data did not support her giving up her devices. They point to internal police disagreements on the catfishing theory. Both hosts extensively question Juliana's credibility due to her plea deal and evasiveness. (18:06, 40:02, 42:07, 45:35, 50:55)

Brendan Banfield faces child abuse and cruelty charges because his four-year-old daughter was in the home during the double murders. The child was in the basement when the violence occurred upstairs, and the host emphasizes the psychological trauma inflicted.

Brendan was indicted on child abuse charges because his four-year-old daughter was in the home. The host highlights the child's likely exposure to screams and gunshots, and the subsequent trauma of losing both parents and a trusted caregiver. (11:26, 1:08:27)