Overview
- Judge Diane Freniere said selected jurors must avoid news and social media during the trial, calling the restriction necessary given the publicity.
- The court recently found Walshe competent to stand trial and denied a change of venue, with jury empanelment starting Tuesday and openings expected Dec. 1 if the schedule holds.
- Rulings allow a still image from a home video showing a rug later linked to one found near Walshe’s mother’s home, and the judge indicated Ana Walshe’s friend may testify about a late-December argument and ultimatum.
- Prosecutors may introduce limited evidence tied to Walshe’s prior federal fraud case to show motive, while some ankle-monitor location data will be excluded and specific internet searches will be vetted case by case.
- An updated witness list includes several Massachusetts State Police figures tied to the Karen Read matter, including former Trooper Michael Proctor, providing a likely line of attack for the defense on investigative credibility.