Brian Walshe Faces Competency Hearing Today That Could Trigger Murder Trial Next Week
The decision turns on findings from Bridgewater State Hospital after a jail attack the defense cites as impairing his participation.
Overview
- Judge Diane Freniere is set to decide Friday morning in Norfolk Superior Court whether Walshe can understand proceedings and assist his lawyers.
- If found competent, a final pretrial conference is slated for Monday with jury selection possible Tuesday; a finding of incompetence would pause the case.
- Walshe has been held at Bridgewater State Hospital for a court-ordered evaluation that followed a Sept. 11 stabbing in jail and was extended through Nov. 14.
- Defense filings describe pain, disorientation, poor concentration, and nightmares since the attack, with a preliminary assessor noting concerns about his ability to participate.
- Prosecutors point to alleged early-morning Google searches and other evidence from January 2023, while the defense challenges some searches and reviews data from fired investigator Michael Proctor for potential bias.