Podcast Summary:

The Trial: USA — "A Husband, the Nanny, and a 911 Call: The Trial That Has America Hooked"
Date: January 16, 2026
Hosted by: The Crime Desk (Kayla Brantley)
Guest: Rachel Sharp, Chief Crime Correspondent, Daily Mail

Overview

This episode explores the sensational murder trial of Brendan Banfield, a former IRS agent accused of murdering his wife, Christine Banfield, in an elaborate scheme allegedly orchestrated with the family’s Brazilian nanny, Juliana Perez Mergelas. The episode features deep analysis from courtroom coverage, including pivotal testimony from Juliana herself, insight into the prosecution and defense strategies, and the broader context that has captivated audiences across America.
Additional segments cover developments in two other headline-making cases: the Ohio double-murder of Monique and Spencer Tepe, and actor Timothy Busfield’s ongoing legal troubles.

Main Story: The Murder Trial of Brendan Banfield

Case Background & Prosecution’s Allegations

[05:34–07:02]

• Prosecutors allege Brendan Banfield plotted to murder his wife, Christine, to avoid divorce and custody loss—motivated by an affair with the family's young Brazilian au pair, Juliana.
• The plot: Create a fake profile (as Christine) on fetish site FetLife, recruiting a stranger to participate in a staged rape fantasy—ultimately, to frame this outsider for Christine's murder.

Notable Quote:
“It’s a really bizarre plot that involves a fetish website and luring in a fourth person—a totally unrelated person—to effectively try to stage him for the murder.”
—Narrator/Host, Rachel Sharp [05:39]

• According to the prosecution, after inviting Joseph Ryan (the recruited stranger) to the house, Brendan and Juliana shot and killed him, then staged the scene to appear as though Ryan had killed Christine, only for them to intervene.

Evidence Regarding the Fetish Website

[07:02–08:25]

• Digital Evidence: The defense claims Christine herself used the site; prosecution says Brendan and Juliana impersonated her with careful planning (matching timing and locations to Christine’s real life).
• Recruited Joseph Ryan, who thought he was fulfilling a violent fantasy, only to be killed and used as a scapegoat.

Testimony of Juliana Perez Mergelas—The Nanny

[08:25–12:09]

• Juliana, once a co-defendant in the murder, has become the prosecution’s star witness after accepting a plea deal (reduced to manslaughter, time served recommended).
• Describes starting work at age 21, beginning an affair with Brendan within months, and becoming involved in the plot early.
• Claims Brendan feared divorce for financial reasons and custody battle, so “the plan was to kill her.”
• Details meticulous planning (such as establishing alibis, soundproofing the home, and prepping for the crime).
• Their post-murder plan allegedly involved running away together to Brazil.

Notable Quote:
“She claims that over time, they... came up with this plan... planning alibis, such as Brendan going to McDonald’s in the morning so he would be near the home...”
—Narrator/Host, Rachel Sharp [09:32]

• Juliana does not claim duress; her testimony indicates she was a willing participant, motivated by love and Brendan's promises for a future together.

Notable Quote:
“Based on her testimony, she very much seems as though she was a willing participant... She’s already struck her plea deal.”
—Narrator/Host, Rachel Sharp [11:40]

Additional Testimony & Courtroom Moments

[12:09–13:10]

• Juliana’s testimony took two days and was the week's focal point.
• Other witnesses: 911 operator (with Banfield audibly sobbing while call played in court), forensic pathologist (presentation of the murder weapon), and first responders (noted that Brendan was allowed to wash blood from his hands at the scene).

Notable Moment:
“While that was played, Brendan was actually seen sobbing in the courtroom...”
—Narrator/Host, Rachel Sharp [12:28]

Defense Strategy & Upcoming Evidence

[13:10–16:25]

• The defense plans to question Juliana’s credibility, emphasizing her incentive for leniency and her late cooperation.
• They will also argue Christine authored the explicit online messages and orchestrated the fantasy.
• It remains to be seen if Brendan will testify himself.

Notable Quote:
“They’re trying to undermine her credibility by saying, you know, well, it took over a year for her to come forward... She's obviously benefited from it through a plea deal.”
—Narrator/Host, Rachel Sharp [16:25]

The “Patsy” Joseph Ryan and The Fetish Plot Details

[17:26–18:33]

• Joseph Ryan, the slain outsider, was targeted via the FetLife profile, having no prior connection to the family.
• Juliana testified they chose Ryan specifically to fulfill the violent sexual fantasy.

Notable Quote:
“He’s been described as a patsy... this really could have been anyone.”
—Narrator/Host, Rachel Sharp [17:46]

• Graphic instructions to Ryan included: "The door will be unlocked. Christine will be asleep... cut off the clothing, tie her, rape her."
• Dispute centers on who composed these instructions—defense says Christine, prosecution says Juliana and Brendan.

[18:33–19:44]

Charges, Trial Length, and Next Steps

[19:45–20:32]

• The trial is expected to run about four weeks.
• Brendan Banfield faces four counts of aggravated murder, weapons charges, and child cruelty charges (their four-year-old daughter was present at the time).
• Juliana will not face trial for murder, only sentencing for manslaughter.

Additional Case Updates

Ohio Double-Murder: Monique and Spencer Tepe

[20:32–23:49]

• Couple found murdered at home in Columbus with their children (1 and 4 years old) unharmed.
• Suspect: Monique's ex-husband, Michael David McKee—a surgeon living in Illinois, despite his divorce from Monique being finalized in 2017.
• Motive remains unclear; the ex-husband is awaiting extradition and intends to plead not guilty.

Actor Timothy Busfield Case

[23:58–25:04]

• “West Wing” actor faces multiple child sex abuse charges in New Mexico.
• Accusations stem from alleged incidents involving twin boys and a 16-year-old girl.
• Busfield denies all wrongdoing and claims to have passed a polygraph.

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• The Plot's Depth:
  “It was very well thought out to the extent that they were planning alibis...”
  [09:32] — Rachel Sharp

• Juliana's Willingness:
  “Based on her testimony, she very much seems as though she was a willing participant…”
  [11:40] — Rachel Sharp

• Brendan Breaking Down in Court:
  “Brendan was actually seen sobbing in the courtroom...”
  [12:28]

• On the Chosen Victim:
  “He’s been described as a patsy... this really could have been anyone.”
  [17:46] — Rachel Sharp

• Violent Plot Instructions:
  “The door will be unlocked. Christine will be asleep in her bed, come straight upstairs, cut off the clothing, tie her, rape her.”
  [19:34] — Rachel Sharp relaying prosecution

• On Defense vs. Prosecution:
  “They’re trying to undermine her credibility... she’s obviously benefited... through a plea deal…”
  [16:25] — Rachel Sharp

Upcoming Developments to Watch

• Cross-examination of Juliana and further digital forensic evidence expected to take center stage.
• Defense will attempt to prove Christine authored the online communications and question the reliability of Juliana’s narrative.
• Brendan Banfield's decision to testify remains uncertain.

This episode offers a striking look into a convoluted, disturbing case of murder, conspiracy, and betrayal—presented with remarkable courtroom detail and analysis. Subsequent updates on the Tepe double-murder and Busfield's case round out a gripping overview of high-profile American crime stories.