20/20: "The Au Pair, the Affair and Murder"

Podcast Summary
Date: February 21, 2026
Host: Deborah Roberts, ABC News
Episode Theme:
A gripping true crime exposé, this episode investigates the shocking double murder of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan in suburban Virginia—a case that rocked the community and unraveled secrets of infidelity, hidden online lives, and a chilling murder plot involving the family's au pair.

Main Theme & Purpose

The episode unravels the complex, real-life murder mystery where what appeared to be a tragic home invasion was ultimately revealed to be a calculated scheme involving betrayal, secret affairs, and the manipulation of kink culture websites. Listeners are taken deep into the investigation, the backgrounds of those involved, the emotional aftermath, and the high-stakes courtroom drama.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Crime Unfolds (00:10–08:51)

• Scene Setting:

  • A young family—the Banfields—hires Juliana Perez Magales, a 20-year-old Brazilian au pair, to help care for their daughter.
  • On Feb 24, 2023, Christine Banfield is found dead, and a man, Joseph Ryan, is shot and killed.

• Immediate Aftermath:

  • Juliana's distressing 911 call introduces the chaos ("Everything happened too fast." – Juliana, 04:19).
  • Brendan Banfield, Christine’s husband and a federal law enforcement officer, claims to have shot an intruder who was attacking his wife (02:15).

• Police Response:

  • Detectives on the scene are confronted with a chaotic, bloody situation.
  • Early reports suggest a violent home invasion.

2. Victims and Personalities (12:11–18:51)

• Christine Banfield:

  • Described as a resilient, caring ICU nurse and cherished friend ("She was the kindest person that I met in the US." – Former patient, 15:12).
  • Deeply dedicated to her family: "She would describe her life as perfect, and she used that word, perfect." (18:45)

• Brendan Banfield:

  • Presented as reserved, with a seemingly devoted family life.
  • Well-liked in his community and amongst friends for his integrity.

3. The Intruder’s Identity and Hidden Lives (19:09–24:39)

• The Victim, Joseph Ryan:

  • Initially no connection to the Banfields is found, but investigating digital communications uncovers links.

• Digital Forensics and Secret Communications:

  • Police discover extensive communication between Christine and Joseph on a fetish website, FetLife, and via Telegram.
  • Evidence of a planned BDSM roleplay encounter emerges ("I probably will be a bit panicked. I think that is part of the fun of it." – "Anastasia"/Christine, 24:39).

• Close Friends and Family React:

  • Christine's friends adamantly reject that she would engage in risky or clandestine affairs, especially with violent overtones.

4. Suspicion Casts Wider Nets (32:32–41:42)

• Brendan’s Past Exposed:

  • Detectives find evidence of prior infidelity:
    • "He would just tell me about negative things... I realize now it was like a carefully curated viewpoint, like, for my benefit." – "Jennifer," Brendan's former affair partner, 35:51

• Affair with Juliana Uncovered:

  • Photos and social media posts confirm Brendan and Juliana's romantic involvement (41:42).
  • Trip to New York and other shared activities suggest the relationship was ongoing and deep.

5. The Plot Revealed: Motive, Method, and the Turning Point (42:33–47:00)

• A New Theory Emerges:

  • Investigators posit Brendan and Juliana conspired to murder Christine, using the FetLife ruse to lure Joseph Ryan as a patsy.
  • Juliana is arrested and later confesses to firing the fatal shot at Joseph under Brendan’s direction.

• Staging and Manipulation:

  • Evidence is staged to frame Joseph as the intruder and attacker.

6. Behind the Evidence: Trials and Testimonies (56:05–83:51)

• Juliana Flips:

  • Offered a plea deal for her testimony, she details Brendan's murderous plan and their use of Christine’s laptop and digital identity for the ruse:
    • "He basically told me... I don't want Christine in our lives." (56:38)
    • Brendan viewed killing Christine as "easier" than divorce, fearing loss of custody and financial impact.

• Juliana’s Testimony:

  • She recounts executing the plan, including staging the scene and the events leading to both Christine’s and Joseph’s deaths.

• Brendan’s Defense:

  • Takes the stand, admits to prior affairs, denies conspiracy, claims to have interrupted a sexual encounter gone wrong.
  • His defense challenges the possibility of anyone using Christine’s devices without her knowledge.

• Forensic Disputes and Internal Police Division:

  • Forensic experts offer differing views on the digital evidence; one expert is even reassigned for dissenting with the prosecution's theory.

7. The Verdict & Aftermath (83:32–86:29)

• The Verdict:
  • Jury convicts Brendan Banfield on all counts ("Find the defendant guilty of aggravated murder of Joseph Ryan and Christine Banfield." – 83:40)
• Juliana:
  • Receives a ten-year sentence after plea deal, with likely deportation.
• Victims Remembered:
  • Family and friends emphasize Christine’s loving, vibrant qualities and the pain of her loss:
    • "She loved her family deeply and was devoted to her marriage... The lies told about her after her murder were just as painful as her death." – Christine's family statement (85:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Christine:

  • "[Christine] was one of the most compassionate people I’ve ever known. She always thought about someone else before herself." (15:51)
  • "Her daughter was her absolute world. Her daughter’s the reason that she lived every day." (86:15)

• On Brendan and Juliana:

  • “On the nightstand next to the bed was a photograph of Brendan Banfield and Juliana in a romantic kind of embrace…Juliana had effectively replaced Christine.” (45:09)

• On the Catfish Plot:

  • "Police and the prosecution believe that Brendan created or used a FetLife account posing as Christine…in order to lure an unsuspecting sexual partner." (50:37)
  • "Brendan goes upstairs first, followed shortly by Juliana, where they open the door of the primary bedroom and Brendan shoots Joseph Ryan, then takes a knife...and he begins to stab Christine." (52:10)

• Courtroom Drama:

  • “She was extremely nervous, but she wanted to tell the truth...” – On Juliana’s testimony (66:54)
  • “Brendan Banfield killed his wife and another man...He convinced young Juliana that they should get rid of Christine. They would use Christine’s email accounts to create a fake profile...” (63:27)

• On Justice and Memory:

  • “Christine suffered a violent, horrific, senseless death. The lies told about her after her murder were just as painful as her death.” (85:09)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:10–04:45: The discovery—911 call, first police response, chaos at the crime scene.
• 12:11–18:51: Who was Christine? Moving recollections from friends and colleagues.
• 23:33–24:39: Discovery of digital communications and the fetish roleplay ruse.
• 41:42–42:25: The affair between Brendan and Juliana comes to light.
• 43:06–44:09: Juliana admits to shooting Joseph at Brendan’s direction.
• 56:13–59:38: Juliana’s plea, confession, and details of the murder plot.
• 66:54–72:02: Juliana testifies about the events of the day.
• 76:31–81:41: Brendan’s testimony—his alternative account and the prosecution’s challenge.
• 83:32–83:51: Verdicts read aloud in court.
• 85:09–86:29: Families’ final words and reflections on Christine’s legacy.

Flow and Tone

With careful, empathetic reporting, the episode combines methodical investigation, emotional interviews, and dramatic courtroom moments. Real voices from the case—detectives, family, and both those accused—bring a raw, unvarnished authenticity to every revelation.

For Listeners:
This episode provides an insightful, nuanced exploration of a real-life tragedy, highlighting the importance of rigorous investigation, the complexity of human relationships, and the long-lasting impact of violence on families and communities. The story’s twists—of hidden affairs, online deception, and ultimately homicide—build to a tense courtroom climax, delivering both answers and further emotional resonance.