Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
More than 200 readers weigh in on the Brian Walshe murder trial verdict
Brian Walshe was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Ana, on Dec. 15. Here’s how readers reacted.
After following weeks of Brian Walshe’s trial, Boston.com readers were far from shocked after he was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of his wife Ana who disappeared New Year’s Day 2023.
Brian Walshe Murder Trial
Despite investigators never finding her body, the prosecution called 60 witnesses to the stand, and investigators went through dumpsters, transfer stations, landfills, department stores, lumber stores, CVS, and many other locations, to earn the jury’s unanimous decision to convict Walshe.
It was the only time Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey said he had seen a first first-degree murder conviction in a case where the victim’s body was never found.
Advertisement:
Last month, Walshe plead guilty to two lesser charges on Nov. 18: willfully misleading a police investigation and unlawfully conveying away a human body or the remains thereof. All three convictions will be considered together for sentencing.
In Mass., a first-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison, without the possibility of parole. The state does not have the death penalty.
The defense’s argument in its closing and opening statements was that Walshe had found Ana suddenly dead after a night of New Year’s celebrations and then spiraled into a panic. They did not call any witnesses to the stand.
Advertisement:
We asked readers in an informal Boston.com poll if they were surprised by the verdict, and 95% of the more than 200 readers who responded were not. Charles V. from Avon put it simply, “HE DID IT!!!!” Richard from Cape Code agreed, “It’s obvious. Lies, lies and more lies.”
Are you surprised by the verdict?
Yes
5%
No
95%
Are you surprised by the verdict?
No
“The prosecution built a compelling case. It sounded airtight.” – Sarah S. from Brookline
“If your spouse dies a ‘sudden unexpected death’ next to you in bed, the first reaction of most normal people would not be to grab a hacksaw and garbage bags.” – Trevor M. from Great Barrington
“I’ve followed this case since the very beginning and it is no surprise as he is so sketchy. There is also the fact that the defense did not call any witnesses.” – Lisa C. from Concord, N.H.
“The defendant claimed that he dismembered his wife, hid her body parts all over the state while claiming he did not kill her is the most ludicrous defense in the history of crime. Absolutely absurd. Talk about a ‘hail Mary’ defense???”- Mark S. from Secaucus, N.J.
“The man shows no emotion, presents as a narcissistic lunatic. The evidence was stacked against him.”- Sinead from Methuen
“Not being close to the situation, it seemed obvious that he was guilty. The scenario he described was almost laughable, i.e., she died naturally, he was afraid of being accused, he butchered the body, etc. C’mon. She died from what…?”- Jeff M. from Murrells Inlet, S. C.
“Everything pointed to him – the unanimous verdict proved that. This is a pittance of vindication for Ana’s family. May Ana’s memory be a blessing.🙏” – Napster from Weston
“His computer searches seemed particularly damning.”- Jenny from Braintree
“The way he was smiling when he first got arrested, like he believed that he would never be ‘caught.’ Then he admitted to disposing of her body, but didn’t murder her.” – Terrance C. from JP
“He murdered his wife with clear and obvious motives. His callous disregard for her remains, their children, and lack of any remorse show he should be locked up for the rest of his life.” – Jeremiah from North Reading
Yes
“Didn’t seem that there was enough evidence at all to convict him of murder.” – Jimmy from Boston
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com