Brian Walshe Trial Set to Begin This Week After Competency Ruling

DEDHAM, Mass. — Brian Walshe, a Massachusetts man accused of murdering and dismembering his wife, Ana Walshe, is scheduled for a final pretrial hearing Monday, ahead of jury selection starting Tuesday. The trial is set to begin officially on December 1.

Ana Walshe, 39, was last seen on New Year’s Eve 2023. What began as a missing persons search quickly developed into a murder investigation after Brian Walshe was accused of misleading authorities. Prosecutors allege he believed his wife was having an affair, which drove him to kill and dispose of her body, which has never been located.

Judge Diane Freniere confirmed last week that Brian Walshe was competent to stand trial after an evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital. She also denied a motion from the defense to change the trial’s venue, citing the extensive media coverage but deeming it primarily factual.

Evidence against Walshe reportedly includes his internet searches, which included inquiries on how to dispose of a body. Prosecutors also presented surveillance footage capturing him purchasing significant amounts of cleaning supplies shortly after Ana’s disappearance.

During a session on Friday, the judge noted about 70 potential jurors would be questioned daily, with plans to seat the jury before the Thanksgiving holiday. The trial is expected to rely heavily on circumstantial evidence, with legal experts stating that the volume of evidence could prove compelling despite the absence of a body or eyewitnesses.

Ana Walshe, a mother of three and a real estate professional, was reported missing shortly after her last sighting. Brian Walshe, who has a separate legal history, was arrested shortly after Ana’s disappearance, initially for misleading investigators, before facing formal charges of murder among others. The proceedings continue to attract significant public interest.