The trial of a Massachusetts man charged with the death of his wife in 2023 has been postponed while he undergoes a competency evaluation.
Brian Walshe’s trial for the murder of Ana Walshe was set to begin on October 20, but his attorneys requested the evaluation to determine if he was competent to stand trial, WBTS reported. Prosecutors opposed the delay.
Ana Walshe, a 39-year-old mother of three, disappeared on New Year’s Day 2023 and was reported missing shortly after, as CrimeOnline reported. Her remains have not been found. Prosecutors alleged that her husband killed her and provided false information to authorities about her disappearance.
Walshe claimed that Ana was called back to Washington, D.C., on January 1, 2023, for a work emergency, but he did not contact her employer until January 4, 2023. The company, which was the first to inform police about Ana Walshe’s disappearance, reported there was no emergency.
Walshe also allegedly searched the internet for the best ways to dismember a body, how to clean blood, and whether someone can be charged without a body. He was also seen buying $400 in cleaning supplies during the days surrounding his wife’s disappearance.
Investigators found blood in the family home’s basement, along with a bent knife that appeared to have blood on it. Prosecutors also said a hacksaw and a rug with blood on it were found at a transfer station in Peabody, around 45 miles from the Walshes’ residence.
According to WBTS, a final conference for Walshe had been set for Tuesday, but that, along with the trial itself, was postponed. His attorneys said they have “grave concerns about the defendant’s ability to intelligently and meaningfully participate in the trial” in the request for the evaluation.
Part of the request stemmed from a stabbing in jail last month, they said, but prosecutors noted that Walshe was back in his cell shortly after and there were no medical records to back up an competency concerns.
Nevertheless, the judge ordered a three-week evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital with a competency hearing scheduled for October 27.
Walshe is charged with first degree murder, intimidating a witness, juror or police or court official, and disinterring a body. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Featured image: Ana Walshe/Instagram]
