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Brian Walshe Pleads Guilty to Two Counts as Jury Selection Begins in Murder Case

A prior competency ruling cleared the way for a Dec. 1 first-degree murder trial that now stands as the central count.

Overview

  • Walshe admitted in court to willfully conveying Ana Walshe’s body and to misleading investigators, while maintaining a not-guilty plea to murder.
  • Prosecutors cite digital searches about dismemberment and disposal, a bloodstained damaged knife, and items recovered from a trash facility as evidence tying him to the case.
  • The prosecution argues his false statements delayed searches and led to dumpsters being incinerated, preventing recovery of remains.
  • Jury selection began in Norfolk Superior Court, with plans to question about 70 prospective jurors daily to seat 12 plus four alternates before Thanksgiving.
  • Judge Diane Freniere denied a change-of-venue request, allowed certain victim state-of-mind testimony, and the court accepted a medical finding that Walshe is competent to stand trial.