Summary of "The Au Pair Murders // 479" Episode of Going West: True Crime

Release Date: February 21, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Podcast: Going West: True Crime by Dark West Productions

Introduction

In episode 479 titled "The Au Pair Murders," hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into a chilling case involving the brutal murder of a pediatric nurse and the subsequent unraveling of a sinister plot within a suburban Virginia household. Released two years after the tragic events, the episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the case, enriched with detailed discussions, forensic insights, and legal developments.

Background of Christine Banfield

Christine Banfield, born on September 20, 1985, in Ronkonkoma, New York, was a 37-year-old pediatric nurse revered for her compassionate nature and dedication to caring for children in the intensive care unit. Married to Brendan Banfield, an IRS criminal investigator, the couple resided in a spacious five-bedroom colonial home in Herndon, Virginia. Their nurturing environment was further enhanced by the birth of their daughter, Valerie, in 2018 (Heath & Daphne, 02:31).

The Au Pair and the Banfield Family

To manage their demanding schedules, Christine and Brendan employed au pairs from Brazil. Their first au pair, Amanda, became an integral part of the family, forming a close bond with Christine and Valerie. Amanda's departure in 2022 led the Banfields to hire Juliana Perez Magalliangs, a 21-year-old from Brazil, who would unknowingly become a pivotal figure in the unfolding tragedy (Daphne & Heath, 05:36-07:52).

The Night of the Murders

On February 23, 2023, Brendan left for work early in the morning, leaving Juliana and Valerie at home. Juliana decided to visit the National Zoo but returned upon realizing she had forgotten lunch. Upon approaching the Banfield residence, she noticed an unfamiliar car and a stranger entering the house. Attempts to contact Christine via phone were unsuccessful, leading Juliana to call Brendan, who was nearby at a McDonald's. Brendan returned to handle the situation, instructing Juliana to wait with Valerie while he confronted the intruder. According to Juliana, Brendan encountered a man wielding a knife, leading to a violent confrontation where Brendan shot the intruder and Juliana subsequently fired a Glock at him, resulting in his death (Heath & Daphne, 07:58-11:39).

Initial Investigation and Suspicion

The initial police response described the scene as horrific, noting the absence of forced entry and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the intruder, later identified as Joseph Ryan. Lieutenant Aaron Weeks provided limited information, emphasizing the ongoing investigation and the complexities in understanding the motive behind the attack (Heath & Daphne, 13:28-16:23).

Forensic Revelations

Forensic analysis revealed unsettling details: both Christine and Joseph's bodies had been manipulated post-mortem, with blood spatter evidence indicating that their arms were moved and Joseph's body was smeared with Christine's blood. These findings suggested that the crime scene had been staged, raising suspicions about the credibility of Brendan and Juliana's accounts (Heath & Daphne, 18:41-24:04).

The Affair and Conspiracy Theories

Further investigation uncovered that Brendan and Juliana had been involved in a clandestine affair since August 2022. Evidence such as photographs from a romantic getaway, Brendan's multiple extramarital affairs, and his purchase of a Glock from the Silver Eagle shooting range pointed towards a premeditated conspiracy. Prosecutor Eric Clingan highlighted the intricate plan to frame Joseph Ryan by creating a false narrative of a violent encounter linked to BDSM activities, which investigators later debunked as fabricated (Heath & Daphne, 25:24-28:53).

Arrests and Legal Proceedings

Juliana was arrested in October 2023 after police discovered her assuming the role of Christine in the household, complete with personal belongings that indicated her involvement in the conspiracy. Despite her attempts to manipulate the situation, Juliana eventually took a plea deal, agreeing to testify against Brendan in exchange for reduced charges (Heath & Daphne, 30:32-33:33).

Brendan was arrested on September 24, 2024, facing multiple charges, including aggravated murder and firearm offenses. Despite his defense team's attempts to secure bail by portraying him as a non-flight risk, the motion was denied due to substantial evidence indicating his intent to flee and fabricate a new life with Juliana in Brazil (Heath & Daphne, 37:56-39:42).

Trial Developments

The trial, initially set for February 2025 but rescheduled to October 2025, focuses on the meticulously gathered digital, physical, and forensic evidence linking Brendan and Juliana to the murders. Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis emphasized the comprehensive nature of the evidence, while forensic experts like Jennifer Coffendaffer critiqued the complexities of Joseph Ryan's involvement, suggesting the possibility of a setup orchestrated by Brendan and Juliana (Heath & Daphne, 41:34-45:12).

Conclusion and Impact

The episode concludes by highlighting the profound tragedy of Valerie, Christine's daughter, who remains a central victim impacted by the loss of her mother and the actions of her father and Juliana. Daphne and Heath reflect on the manipulation and deceit that characterized the case, emphasizing the inevitable unraveling of Brendan and Juliana's plot due to its inherent complexities and flaws (Heath & Daphne, 46:29-48:31).

Notable Quotes:

• Daphne (00:18): "This one is going to furrow the brows, you know what I mean?"

• Heath (02:31): "In 2020, a 37-year-old pediatric nurse was stabbed to death inside her suburban Virginia home alongside a stranger from a dating app."

• Daphne (28:53): "They made a fake profile for Christine so that she could meet up with this guy Joseph..."

• Heath (31:28): "Oh, my God, no, you freak."

• Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano (34:26): "Today's agreement marks a significant step forward in this case..."

Final Thoughts

"The Au Pair Murders // 479" offers an in-depth examination of a case marked by betrayal, manipulation, and calculated deceit. Through meticulous analysis and engaging discourse, Daphne and Heath provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the events leading to the tragic deaths of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan, as well as the subsequent pursuit of justice against Brendan and Juliana.

For those interested in further details, relevant photos and a visual overhead of the Banfield residence are available on the podcast's social media channels. Additionally, listeners are encouraged to share cases they wish to hear about via the podcast’s official email.

Thank you for tuning into Going West: True Crime. Stay vigilant and informed.