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Judge Bars Jurors From Watching News as Brian Walshe Murder Trial Enters Jury Selection

The case advances on circumstantial evidence with opening statements possible Dec. 1.

Overview

  • Jury selection is scheduled to begin Tuesday in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham after a final pretrial hearing Monday.
  • Judge Diane C. Freniere instructed prospective jurors to avoid social media and not watch any news during the trial because of the case’s publicity.
  • Brian Walshe has pleaded not guilty to murder, misleading investigators, and improper conveyance of a human body in the disappearance of his wife, Ana, whose remains have not been found.
  • A Bridgewater State Hospital doctor and the judge found Walshe competent to stand trial last week, the judge denied a change of venue, and a three- to four-week trial is anticipated with Dec. 1 openings if the schedule holds.
  • Prosecutors plan to cite alleged Google searches about disposing of a body and a bloody knife found in the home, while the defense is expected to scrutinize the investigation, including work by former state trooper Michael Proctor.