BRIAN WALSHE FOUND GUILTY
At 11:40 am this morning, the jury in the murder trial of Brian Walshe, Judge Diane Freniere announced that the jury had reached a verdict. To know one’s surprise, the jury found him guilty of the premeditated murder of his wife, Ana Walshe.
Though the verdict seemed clear, there was a fear that they could get it wrong. We can all think of “not guilty” verdicts that have surprised us, upset us, and caused us to question justice. But this jury, after less than seven hours of deliberation, returned the unanimous verdict.
When the verdict was read, Brian Walshe showed no sign of emotion. He didn’t appear surprised or upset. He was calm. Color neither rushed from or rose to his face. He made no nervous gestures. Same, too, as he watched the jury being polled. It was as if he was a spectator following the proceedings and not a man who was just found of murder in the first degree and facing a life sentence. But for a slight adjustment of his tie as he was led handcuffed from the courtroom, he didn’t react to what had just happened at all.
Brian Walshe’s mother was in court for the guilty verdict and, like her son, showed no emotion. She left the courtroom without comment.
On Wednesday, he will be receive an automatic sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
