Suvechha Sarkar
The morning of February 24, 2023, began like any other for Joseph Nathan Ryan’s mother, Deirdre Fisher, and his aunt, Sangeeta Ryan. However, their life changed forever when they found out that Joseph and another woman named Christine Ann Banfield had been killed in Herndon, Virginia. The heartbreaking case comes into focus in the episode titled ‘The Au Pair Affair Murder Trial’ of ABC’s ’20/20.’ It revisits the circumstances surrounding Joseph and Christine’s murders, the subsequent trial, and the impact it left on their loved ones. It further features emotional interviews with their families and the law enforcement officials who helped reveal the killers as Christine’s husband, Brendan Banfield, and their au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães.
Deirdre Fisher and Sangeeta Ryan Lost Joseph to a Chilling Murder Plot
Deirdre Fisher was overjoyed when she welcomed her beloved son, Joseph Nathan Ryan, into the world two days before Christmas in 1984. Over the course of his life, she remained steadfast beside him, cheering him on every step of the way. Joseph was also close to his aunt, Sangeeta Ryan, who provided unwavering support to her nephew. However, she was left completely heartbroken when she lost Joseph forever after he was killed on February 24, 2023. The investigation soon revealed that he was allegedly led to the home of a woman, Christine Ann Banfield, where she was also killed on the same day. According to reports, Christine’s husband, Brendan Banfield, and her au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães, were secretly having an affair.
Police reports suggest that Brendan and Juliana allegedly planned to lure Joseph to their home by impersonating Christine on a fetish website and making him believe he was going to her home for consensual violent sexual roleplay. Eventually, Juliana and Brendan were arrested in October 2023 and September 2024, respectively. Juliana pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Joseph in October 2024 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, along with 2 years of probation, on February 13, 2026. On the other hand, Brendan faced a jury trial and was convicted of two counts of aggravated murder, child endangerment, and a related firearm charge. As of writing, he has yet to face a possible life sentence on his sentencing day, scheduled for May 8, 2026.
Deirdre Fisher Continues to Find Strength in Her Family Members and Friends
On the day of Juliana’s sentencing, Deirdre Fisher bravely joined the courtroom online while she was still in Florida. Before the sentence was announced, she poured her grief into her victim impact statement, where she shared that since the death of her son, Joseph, she was unable to take down the Christmas tree in her home. She revealed that Christmas was always special to her because Joseph was born just before the festivities. Deirdre expressed, “I say good morning to him each day when I turn on the tree’s lights, and I tell him I love him each night when I turn off the lights.” While directing her words towards Juliana, she continued, “Do I think, would dare hope, that there will be justice for Joe’s death? For my loss as his mother. I don’t believe that’s possible.”
Deirdre also said that she still grieves the loss of the grandchildren that she could’ve met someday if Joseph were still here with her. She further recalled the moment when she picked up the phone to call her beloved son, only to realize it was no longer possible. Despite her profound loss, Deirdre hasn’t let it define her as she continues moving forward by focusing on the positive aspects of her life. She now pours her love towards stray animals by providing them with food and care. Deirdre is especially attached to a kitten, whom she has named Bathsheba. Her life also revolves around her two beloved pups, including Sugar. However, she was left completely devastated when Sugar suddenly passed away in January 2022. From time to time, Deirdre reminisces about the good times she spent with her father, Donald Fisher.
In January 2026, Deirdre shared a picture of her father in his youth and revealed, “This was my late father Donald Fisher in his twenties… he didn’t have me until his late thirties or really forties, so I never got to see what he looked like back then, until today.” Currently residing in Woodbridge, Virginia, Deirdre is also politically vocal. She further loves showcasing her fashion choices to her family and friends. In December 2025, Deirdre spent Christmas Eve with her chosen family and friends. Above all, she continues to speak out for her son and how justice was finally served when Juliana was sentenced, and Brendan was convicted. Deirdre holds the memories of Joseph close to her heart and frequently expresses her gratitude to everyone who stood by her during the tough time, especially her sister, Grace Lintner, and her cousin, Janine Gillis.
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Sangeeta Ryan Has Transformed Her Grief Into Healing and Creative Expression
Before Sangeeta Ryan experienced the unbearable loss of her beloved nephew, Joseph, she was completely dedicated to building an impressive professional trajectory. After graduating from high school, she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Policy and Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She then earned a Bachelor’s degree in August 1983, before completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Averett University in May 1992. Ultimately, Sangeeta entered the workforce as a Project Officer for the US Federal Government. As of writing, she has been exploring her creative side as a photographer, which has led to the creation of Sangeeta Ryan Photography. Sangeeta uses that platform to proudly share and save her photographs.
Some of Sangeeta’s photography includes model photoshoots, concert shots, and individual pictures. In her personal life, she has found love and peace in her husband, James J. Ryan III. Together, they often go on romantic dates, attend concerts, and take long walks. The couple also never misses any opportunity to celebrate festivals like Christmas together. As a sports enthusiast, Sangeeta often attends several sports events. Furthermore, she is a huge music lover, which prompts her to go to concerts even alone, where she enjoys the lively atmosphere alongside fans of her favorite artists. Friendships also play a significant role in her life as she considers them a steady pillar of support. Another big part of Sangeeta’s heart belongs to her pup, who is her constant companion.
Sangeeta is a big fan of the outdoors, where she finds solace amid nature, whether she’s exploring a waterfall or hiking. Yet, amidst the busy rhythm of her life, she has never forgotten about Joseph. During the sentencing hearing of Juliana, she took the stand to deliver the victim impact statement, where she shared how profoundly the loss of Joseph has affected his grandmother. She revealed that his grandmother eventually sold her house in order to escape from the painful memories. While speaking about the tragedy, Sangeeta continued, “This could have been a very different ending where Juliana saved two lives.” As of writing, she keeps the good memories of Joseph alive in her heart while moving forward with grace and healing.
