A jury in Massachusetts found Brian Walshe guilty of first-degree murder on Monday.
According to CBS News, Walshe is facing life in prison for the 2023 death of his wife, Ana Walshe, whose remains have not been found.
It took the jury around six hours to reach the verdict. Victim impact statements, along with sentencing, is expected to happen Wednesday.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Ana was last seen January 1, 2023, following a dinner party in Cohasset, Massachusetts.
The defense argued that Brian Walshe panicked after Ana’s “sudden unexplained death,” and that he hid her body to protect their three children.
The prosecution, however, provided evidence that showed the defendant racking up $400 in cleaning supplies at several stores, in January 2023.
On January 9, 2023, investigators found numerous items from a trash compactor and a dumpster with both the defendant and victim’s DNA on them, including:
- A hatchet
- A hacksaw
- A hammer
- Rugs
- Sheets
The prosecution also stated Ana Walshe had taken out a $2.7 million life insurance policy, with the defendant named as the sole beneficiary.
On Friday, the prosecution said that the couple’s marriage had been falling apart, and that Brian Walshe wanted the money from the life insurance policy.
Shortly before the murder trial, Brian Walshe pleaded guilty to disposing of a body and misleading police. However, he claimed he did not kill his wife.
Judge Diane Freniere said that the jury could not know about the charges he pleaded guilty to.
The prosecution rested last week after calling 48 witnesses to the stand. The defense did not call any witnesses, and Brian Walshe chose to not testify in his own defense.
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to a previous episode on the case below.
[Feature Photo: Ana Walshe/Instagram]