Catfish Conspiracy: The Murders of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan
When a husband walks in on a stranger attacking his wife, he responds with lethal force. The police immediately respond to the bizarre but seemingly straightforward scene, however after some things don’t add up, the investigators take a closer look at all of those who lived in the house — and the secrets they were keeping.This Week’s Episode Brought To You By:BetterHelp - Convenient and affordable online therapy and counseling - https://betterhelp.com/lovemurder for 10% off your first monthShopify - $1 per month trial - http://shopify.com/lovemurderProgressive Insurance - Discover better rates at https://www.progressive.com/Sources:1. “Au Pair Killed Man on Employer’s Order, Attorney Says | Wusa9.Com.” Wusa9.Com, 4 AD, https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/au-pair-charged-murder-shot-man-in-home-on-orders-of-her-employer/65-f26e3592-71aa-4c17-963e-b06f36946b38.2. Augenstein, Neal, and Abigail Constantino. “Fairfax Co. Au Pair Charged in Fetish Website Killing Visited Gun Range with Victim’s Husband, Prosecutors Say - WTOP News.” WTOP News, WTOP News, 1 Apr. 2024, https://wtop.com/fairfax-county/2024/04/fairfax-co-au-pair-charged-in-fetish-website-killing-visited-gun-range-with-victims-husband-prosecutors-say/.3. “Banfield Double Murder Trial Set for October amid Evidence Disputes | Articles | Fairfaxtimes.Com.” Fairfax County Times , https://www.facebook.com/FairfaxCountyTimes, 1 Aug. 2025, https://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/banfield-double-murder-trial-set-for-october-amid-evidence-disputes/article_07534e1d-c3e9-454d-8924-652fe7c82f26.html.Big Shakeup in Cheating Husband’s Nanny Murder-for-Hire Case. YouTube, 30 July 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIda09pZBIQ.“Christine Ann Banfield Obituary February 24, 2023 - Moloney Family Funeral Homes, Inc.” Moloney Family Funeral Homes, Inc., Moloney Family Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.moloneyfh.com/obituaries/christine-ann-banfield.“Christine Ann Benson Banfield (1985-2023) - Find a Grave Memorial.” Find a Grave - Millions of Cemetery Records, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/250098758/christine-ann-banfield. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.“Defense in Fetish Sex Murder Case Challenges Catfish Theory – NBC4 Washington.” NBC4 Washington, NBC4 Washington, 11 July 2025, https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/defense-in-virginia-fetish-sex-murder-case-challenges-catfish-theory/3954723/.Department, Fairfax County Police. FCPD Press Conference: Husband Charged in Reston Double Murder. YouTube, 16 Sept. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FtB5IZ4kjM.Diaz, Olivia. “Blood-Spatter Analysis Helped Investigation into Husband Charged with Killing Wife and Another Man | AP News.” AP News, AP News, 27 Sept. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/brendan-banfield-au-pair-double-murder-virginia-f4dc3fa2ac1975587991d0d0755e8f18.“Fairfax County Prosecutor Taken off Au Pair Double Murder Case after Drinking Incident.” WJLA, https://wjla.com/news/local/fairfax-prosecutor-taken-off-au-pair-double-murder-case-after-drinking-incident-brendan-banfield-eric-clingan-commonwealths-attorney. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.“Former IRS Agent Charged in 2023 Deaths of Wife and Other Man, Officials Say.” Https://Www.Wsaz.Com, https://www.facebook.com/wsaz3/, 17 Sept. 2024, https://www.wsaz.com/2024/09/17/former-irs-agent-charged-2023-deaths-wife-other-man-officials-say/.Grace, Nancy. GLAM AU PAIR, 23, PLOTS STAB DEATH OF LOVE-RAT-BOSS’ WIFE? YouTube, 25 Apr. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-Dii0e34y8.Li, David K. “Wife’s Murder Connected to Elaborate Sex Fetish-Based Plot, According to Au Pair.” NBC News, NBC News, 27 Aug. 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/wifes-murder-connected-sex-fetish-plot-rcna227473.Madani, Doha. “Brazilian Au Pair Takes Plea Deal, Cooperates in Virginia Double-Murder Case against Former Boss.” NBC News, NBC News, 29 Oct. 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/brazilian-au-pair-takes-plea-deal-cooperates-virginia-double-murder-ca-rcna177847.Moore, Jack. “Months after 2 Killed in Shooting-Stabbing in Fairfax Co., Family’s Au Pair Charged with Murder in 1 of the Slayings - WTOP News.” WTOP News, WTOP News, 19 Oct. 2023, https://wtop.com/fairfax-county/2023/10/months-after-2-killed-in-shooting-stabbing-in-fairfax-familys-au-pair-charged-with-murder-in-1-of-the-slayings/.“Nanny Arrested in Herndon Double Murder That Left Woman, Man Dead | Wusa9.Com.” Wusa9.Com, 10 AD, https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/herndon-virginia-double-murder-arrest-au-pair/65-0bc9e39f-ff7e-4485-88cd-d4d8f9e564b0.Reinstein, Julia. “Virginia Au Pair Juliana Peres Magalhaes Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Gruesome Double Murder of Christine Banfield, Joe Ryan - ABC7 New York.” ABC7 New York, 30 Oct. 2024, https://abc7ny.com/au-pair-pleads-guilty-in-gruesome-double-murder-in-virginia/15484909/.Sanchez-Cruz, Rafael. “911 Audio Introduced as Evidence in the Herndon Double Homicide | Wusa9.Com.” Wusa9.Com, WUSA, 6 AD, https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/911-audio-introduced-as-evidence-in-the-herndon-double-homicide-case-brendan-banfield-juliana-peres-magalhaes/65-8a3aa334-68ef-4a16-853c-76998297a7e7.Serre, Jared. “Double Murder Trial for Herndon Man Postponed to next Year | FFXnow.” FFXnow | Fairfax County, Va. Breaking News and Local Happenings, https://www.facebook.com/ffxnow/, 16 Oct. 2025, https://www.ffxnow.com/2025/10/16/double-murder-trial-for-herndon-man-postponed-to-next-year/.19. The Au Pair Affair Murder Alleged Murder Plot | Vinnie Politan Investigates. YouTube, 17 July 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssCuksMz3XQ.20. Vinnie Politan Investigates: Husband & Au Pair Murder Trial. YouTube, 8 Oct. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y02p0BjDOt0.Woolsey, Angela. “Reston Au Pair Charged with Murder in Fatal Shooting and Stabbing Case | FFXnow.” FFXnow | Fairfax County, Va. Breaking News and Local Happenings, https://www.facebook.com/ffxnow/, 19 Oct. 2023, https://www.ffxnow.com/2023/10/19/reston-au-pair-charged-with-murder-in-fatal-shooting-and-stabbing-case/.22. New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/article/brendan-banfield-murder-wife-au-pair.html?unlocked_article_code=1.wU4.PTLq.V5QS0LJWhPK5&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.Find LOVE MURDER online:Website: lovemurder.loveInstagram: @lovemurderpodTwitter: @lovemurderpodFacebook: LoveMrdrPodTikTok: @LoveMurderPodPatreon: /LoveMurderPodCredits: Love Murder is hosted by Jessie Pray and Andie Cassette, researched by Sarah Lynn Robinson and researched and written by Jessie Pray, produced by Nathaniel Whittemore and edited by Kyle Barbour-HoffmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
12 Marras 1h 7min
Grace Millane: A Tragedy That Changed Laws
On December 1, 2018, 22-year-old backpacker Grace Millane met a man for a Tinder date in Auckland; within days she was missing, and soon a homicide investigation revealed CCTV trails, a calculated cleanup, and a killer who tried to hide behind the so-called “rough sex” defense. This episode traces Grace’s life and travels, the meticulous police work that unraveled the lie, the trial that led to a murder conviction, and the global backlash that helped spur legal reforms aimed at preventing abusers from blaming victims.Sources:The Lie: The Murder of Grace Millane (documentary) — https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/the-lie-the-murder-of-grace-millane/umc.cmc.25e1hupsruxwcfvbjnixz7mtrSupreme Court of New Zealand, Jesse Shane Kempson v R (PDF) — https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/assets/cases/2021/2021-NZSC-74.pdfRNZ, The Grace Millane case: A timeline — https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/410039/the-grace-millane-case-a-timelineRNZ, Grace Millane’s killer named as Jesse Kempson after Supreme Court appeal denied — https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/433383/grace-millane-s-killer-named-as-jesse-kempson-after-supreme-court-appeal-deniedNew Zealand Police, Update – Grace Millane investigation — https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/update-grace-millane-investigation-1UK Government, Domestic Abuse Act factsheet: Consent to serious harm for sexual gratification not a defence — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/domestic-abuse-bill-2020-factsheets/consent-to-serious-harm-for-sexual-gratification-not-a-defenceUK Legislation, Domestic Abuse Act 2021, Section 72 — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2021/17/section/72NZ Herald, Grace Millane murder: Killer jailed for a minimum of 17 years — https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/grace-millane-murder-killer-jailed-for-a-minimum-of-17-years/P6RDWB4JUETPINBVWC5UH6HH6Y/The Guardian, Grace Millane trial: jury shown CCTV of accused moving suitcase with body inside — https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/13/grace-millane-trial-jury-shown-cctv-of-accused-transporting-suitcase-with-body-insideTIME, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Offers Emotional Apology to Family of Murdered British Tourist — https://time.com/5475149/jacinda-ardern-grace-millane-new-zealand-murder/This Week's Episode Brought To You By: IndaCloud - If you’re 21 or older, get 25% OFF your first order + free shipping with code lovemurder at https://inda.shop/lovemurder!Shopify - $1 per month trial - http://shopify.com/lovemurderCure - 20% off your first order - https://www.curehydration.com/lovemurderHoneylove - Treat yourself to the best shapewear on the market and save 20% off at honeylove.com/lovemurderFind LOVE MURDER online:Website: lovemurder.loveInstagram: @lovemurderpodTwitter: @lovemurderpodFacebook: LoveMrdrPodTikTok: @LoveMurderPodPatreon: /LoveMurderPodCredits: Love Murder is hosted by Jessie Pray and Andie Cassette, researched by Sarah Lynn Robinson and researched and written by Jessie Pray, produced by Nathaniel Whittemore and edited by Kyle Barbour-HoffmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
5 Marras 1h 4min
The Birch Drive Tragedy [Current Affairs]
On an ordinary October evening in Fort Pierce, Florida, a missed call turned into a family’s worst nightmare. When 60-year-old Bonnie Tietgens finally reached her son, she confessed to killing his father, William Tietgens Jr. What followed was a chilling series of events—from the siblings’ desperate drive home to the discovery that confirmed their fears. Join Jessie Pray and Andie Cassette as they unpack the shocking case of Bonnie Tietgens, the evidence she tried to wash away, and the devastating impact on a family forever divided.Find LOVE MURDER online:Website: lovemurder.loveInstagram: @lovemurderpodTwitter: @lovemurderpodFacebook: LoveMrdrPodTikTok: @LoveMurderPodPatreon: /LoveMurderPodCredits: Love Murder is hosted by Jessie Pray and Andie Cassette, researched by Sarah Lynn Robinson and researched and written by Jessie Pray, produced by Nathaniel Whittemore and edited by Kyle Barbour-HoffmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
31 Loka 6min
Nightmare on Main Street: The Markle Family Murders
A stormy night, a black out and a mysterious phone call lead the police to an eerie house on a hill containing the bodies of an entire family. All of this, plus a connection to The Exorcist, feels like the setup to a particularly scary movie. Instead, it was a real life tragedy that took place in November 1987. Sources:1. Jones, Janie. “Murder Mystery: The Mask of Mercy - AY Magazine.” AY Magazine, https://www.facebook.com/ayisaboutyou/, 24 July 2018, https://aymag.com/murder-mystery-the-mask-of-mercy/.2. “Murders on Main: 30 Years since Little Rock Businessman Killed His Family, Himself.” Arkansas Online, https://www.arkansasonline.com/murdersonmain/. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.3. “Mercedes McCambridge’s Son’s Note Exonerated Her - Los Angeles Times.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 1989, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-04-17-mn-2098-story.html.4. “Suicide Letter Blames Actress Mother - UPI Archives.” UPI, UPI, 18 Apr. 1989, https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/04/18/Suicide-letter-blames-actress-mother/7918608875200/.5. The Friday the 13th Murders. 2025.6. Batesville Guard, 7 Dec. 1987.7. Baxter Bulletin, 5 Dec. 1987.8. The Sun, 5 Dec. 1987.9. The Log Cabin Democrat, 5 Oct. 1993.10. The Sun, 19 Nov. 1987.11. Batesville Guard, 20 Nov. 1987.This Week’s Episode Brought to You By:Shopify - $1 per month trial - http://shopify.com/lovemurderFind LOVE MURDER online:Website: lovemurder.loveInstagram: @lovemurderpodTwitter: @lovemurderpodFacebook: LoveMrdrPodTikTok: @LoveMurderPodPatreon: /LoveMurderPodCredits: Love Murder is hosted by Jessie Pray and Andie Cassette, researched by Sarah Lynn Robinson and researched and written by Jessie Pray, produced by Nathaniel Whittemore and edited by Kyle Barbour-HoffmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
29 Loka 1h 1min
Introducing BURIED: Inside the John Wayne Gacy Investigation
Jessie and Andie are thrilled to share a new podcast. BURIED: Inside the John Wayne Gacy Investigation is a true-crime podcast featuring never-before-heard recordings of John Wayne Gacy and new admissions from the detectives who investigated him. Hosted by criminal defense attorney Bob Motta, whose father defended Gacy at trial, the series re-examines the investigation that brought a serial killer to justice. Through exclusive interviews, thousands of pages of police files, and newly remastered audio, BURIED exposes what’s been hidden for over 40 years and reveals the shocking truth behind one of America’s most infamous cases.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
28 Loka 3min
Major League Monster: Gary Spohr, Wendy Wood and Dan Serafini
When a senior married couple falls victim to a deadly home invasion, the police search for answers from the family - including an adult daughter in a complicated marriage to a former professional athlete.Sources:1. Bandur, Michelle. “Dan Serafini Tahoe Murder Trial Updates on June 24 | Defendant’s Wife Testifies.” KCRA, KCRA, 24 June 2025, https://www.kcra.com/article/dan-serafini-tahoe-murder-trial-updates-june-24/65172103.2. Daniel Serafini's Wife Seeks Divorce After His Conviction for Her Dad’s Murder. PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2025, https://people.com/daniel-serafini-divorce-wife-erin-spohr-11795450.Longmire, Becca. “Ex-MLB Player Danny Serafini Found Guilty of Murdering Father-in-Law.” People.Com, PEOPLE, 15 July 2025, https://people.com/ex-mlb-player-danny-serafini-found-guilty-murdering-father-in-law-11772204.3. Mitri, Lysée. “Sisters Sue Each Other over Inheritance of Tahoe-Area Parents after 2021 Murder.” KCRA, KCRA, 27 Oct. 2023, https://www.kcra.com/article/tahoe-2021-murders-sisters-sue-over-inheritance/45659191.4. Neumann, Sean, and Chris Spargo. “Instead of Being Sentenced Today, Ex-MLB Player Daniel Serafini Might Get a New Trial.” People.Com, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2025, https://people.com/sentencing-delayed-mlb-player-daniel-serafini-new-trial-11792825.5. Reed, Darrin. Bar Rescue. 2011.6. “Robert Gary Spohr (1951-2021) - Find a Grave Memorial.” Find a Grave - Millions of Cemetery Records, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/282348876/robert_gary-spohr. Accessed 29 Sept. 2025.7. SF Gate. https://www.sfgate.com/renotahoe/article/california-lake-house-fortune-mlb-player-murder-20302902.php. Accessed 27 Sept. 2025.8. Spargo, Chris. “Daniel Serafini Landed in Prison Because of Babysitter Mistress’ Mistake.” People.Com, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2025, https://people.com/daniel-serafini-murder-mistress-samantha-scott-11787493.This Week’s Episode Brought to You By:AquaTru - 20% off your purifier - https://aquatru.com/ code: LOVEJones Road- Use code Love at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase!Mint Mobile - Mobile wireless for just $15/mo - http://mintmobile.com/lovemurderCure - 20% off your first order - https://www.curehydration.com/lovemurderFind LOVE MURDER online:Website: lovemurder.loveInstagram: @lovemurderpodTwitter: @lovemurderpodFacebook: LoveMrdrPodTikTok: @LoveMurderPodPatreon: /LoveMurderPodCredits: Love Murder is hosted by Jessie Pray and Andie Cassette, researched by Sarah Lynn Robinson and researched and written by Jessie Pray, produced by Nathaniel Whittemore and edited by Kyle Barbour-HoffmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
22 Loka 1h 24min
Betrayal in Inkster: The London Thomas Story [Current Affairs]
In this episode of Current Affairs, the tragic disappearance and murder of 17-year-old London Thomas in Inkster, Michigan is explored. What began as a frantic three-week search ended in a horrific discovery, revealing a story of betrayal that extended beyond a soured young romance to a mother's alleged involvement in concealing the crime. Jessie and Andie uncover the winding, frustrating path to justice for London Thomas.Current Affairs is Love Murder’s shorter show about the cases of love gone fatally wrong that are in the news right now.Sources:https://people.com/mother-campaign-of-lies-murder-son-girlfriend-11832452https://people.com/london-thomas-murder-detroit-boyfriend-and-mother-charged-11831567https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/london-thomas-boyfriend-his-mother-charged-with-her-murder/https://www.wxyz.com/news/mother-and-son-facing-murder-charges-in-death-of-17-year-old-london-thomasFind LOVE MURDER online:Website: lovemurder.loveInstagram: @lovemurderpodTwitter: @lovemurderpodFacebook: LoveMrdrPodTikTok: @LoveMurderPodPatreon: /LoveMurderPodCredits: Love Murder is hosted by Jessie Pray and Andie Cassette, researched by Sarah Lynn Robinson and researched and written by Jessie Pray, produced by Nathaniel Whittemore and edited by Kyle Barbour-HoffmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
21 Loka 6min
The Disappearance of Nick Howard: Accident, Hoax or Murder?
When an 18-year old boy goes missing, police and family are left wondering: was it an accident, a hoax, or was he the victim of foul play? Along the way, the authorities would discover a nefarious obsession that began years before Nick was even born.Sources:1. Dowling, Paul. Forensic Files. 1996.2. “Nicholas Andrew ‘Nick’ Howard (1978-1997) - Find a Grave Memorial.” Find a Grave - Millions of Cemetery Records, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/159349735/nicholas_andrew-howard. Accessed 10 Sept. 2025.3. “When Mercy Reigns – The Newton Community Magazine.” The Newton Community Magazine, https://thenewtoncommunity.com/living/when-mercy-reigns/. Accessed 10 Sept. 2025.4. The Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 1997.5. US Courts, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-caed-2_06-cv-00926/pdf/USCOURTS-caed-2_06-cv-00926-8.pdf. Accessed 10 Sept. 2025.6. The Sacramento Bee, 20 Oct. 1999.7. The Sacramento Bee, 12 July 1997.8. The Sacramento Bee, 14 Jan. 2000.This Week’s Episode Brought to You By:Progressive Insurance - Discover better rates at https://www.progressive.com/Shopify - $1 per month trial - http://shopify.com/lovemurderHiya - 50% off your first order - http://hiyahealth.com/lovemurderHexclad - Find your forever cookware from hexclad and get 10% off at hexclad.com/LoveFind LOVE MURDER online:Website: lovemurder.loveInstagram: @lovemurderpodTwitter: @lovemurderpodFacebook: LoveMrdrPodTikTok: @LoveMurderPodPatreon: /LoveMurderPodCredits: Love Murder is hosted by Jessie Pray and Andie Cassette, researched by Sarah Lynn Robinson and researched and written by Jessie Pray, produced by Nathaniel Whittemore and edited by Kyle Barbour-HoffmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
15 Loka 1h
