Brian Walshe murder trial verdict: Are you surprised?

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Walshe was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of his wife Ana. Share your reaction to the verdict.

After a highly publicized trial, Brian Walshe showed little reaction as a jury unanimously convicted him of first-degree murder in the death of his wife Ana Walshe, who disappeared on New Year’s Day 2023.

The verdict marked a rare and significant moment in Mass. criminal history. Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey said it was the first first-degree murder conviction he has seen in a case where the victim’s body was never found.

Walshe had previously pleaded guilty to two related charges: willfully misleading a police investigation and unlawfully conveying away a human body or the remains thereof. All charges will be considered together for sentencing.

In Mass., a first-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life life in prison, without the possibility of parole. The state does not have the death penalty.

Prosecutors interviewed 60 witnesses to piece together their case. Investigators searched dumpsters, transfer stations, landfills, department stores, lumber stores, CVS, and many other locations, according to Morrissey, in an effort to gather the critical evidence and track Walshe’s movements and establish what happened to Ana.

Morrissey declined to comment on what will happen to the couple’s three young children following the conviction.

“Let’s not lose sight of the fact that Ana’s three young children will be without a mother,” he said. “And especially at this difficult time of year, … we all wish them a bright future going ahead.”

Readers: We want to know if you were surprised by the verdict. Share your reactions in the form below or e-mail us at [email protected].