Brian Walshe pleaded guilty to two charges linked to his wife Ana’s disappearance but denied murdering her. The pleas — to willfully conveying a human body and misleading police — were entered just before jury selection on Nov. 18. Prosecutors say Walshe’s conduct led to the incineration of Ana’s remains and plan to introduce alleged online searches about dismemberment and body disposal; the defense seeks to block some of that evidence. A judge found Walshe competent to stand trial after a hospital evaluation, and the homicide case will proceed to trial.
Brian Walshe Pleads Guilty to Two Charges in Wife’s Disappearance; Murder Trial Still Pending
Brian Walshe pleaded guilty to two charges linked to his wife Ana’s disappearance but denied murdering her. The pleas — to willfully conveying a human body and misleading police — were entered just before jury selection on Nov. 18. Prosecutors say Walshe’s conduct led to the incineration of Ana’s remains and plan to introduce alleged online searches about dismemberment and body disposal; the defense seeks to block some of that evidence. A judge found Walshe competent to stand trial after a hospital evaluation, and the homicide case will proceed to trial.
12:33 AM, 11/19/2025Society
Massachusetts man admits to two lesser counts as homicide case moves forward
Brian Walshe, 50, pleaded guilty to two charges tied to the disappearance of his wife, Ana Walshe, but has not admitted to murder as jury selection and trial preparations continue.
Just before jury selection began on Nov. 18, Walshe entered guilty pleas to willfully conveying a human body in violation of state law and to misleading police, according to local outlets including CBS News Boston, WCVB and MassLive. Prosecutors say his actions contributed to the incineration of Ana Walshe’s remains; those allegations have not been proven in court.
Allegations and timeline
Authorities say Ana, 39, of Cohasset, was last seen at the family home on New Year’s Eve 2022 and was reported missing by her employer on Jan. 4, 2023, after she failed to report to work in Washington, D.C. Prosecutors allege Brian killed Ana because he suspected she was having an affair and that he disposed of her body in multiple locations around the state. Those claims remain allegations pending the outcome of the murder trial.
Mental health evaluation and trial readiness
The trial had been delayed after Judge Diane Freniere ordered Walshe sent to Bridgewater State Hospital for a mental health evaluation following an attack on him while jailed. The judge later said she received a comprehensive report finding Walshe competent to stand trial, and the case has proceeded to pretrial evidentiary discussions.
Evidence under consideration
At a Nov. 18 hearing, prosecutors and defense attorneys discussed what evidence jurors may hear. Prosecutors plan to introduce Walshe’s alleged internet searches that reportedly included terms about identifying remains, dismemberment and body disposal — including a cited phrase such as “ten ways to dispose of a dead body if you really need to.” They also seek to present searches for pornography tied to the phrase “cheating wife.”
Walshe’s defense team is arguing to exclude the pornographic-search evidence as prejudicial. The judge will rule on those evidentiary disputes before and during trial.
What happens next
Despite the guilty pleas to the two lesser counts, Walshe continues to face a homicide charge. The upcoming trial will determine whether prosecutors can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed murder. As in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent of the homicide charge until proven guilty in court.
Note: This article reports allegations and court actions. Facts of criminal responsibility will be determined through the legal process.