COHASSET, Massachusetts — Friends of Ana Walshe recall the positive memories they had of her after learning horrifying details about the mother-of-three’s murder.
Brian Walshe, 47, was taken back to a Quincy County courtroom on Wednesday morning to face aggravated charges of murder and improper transport of a body.
During his arraignment, prosecutors said he dismembered and discarded his wife’s body.
The alleged evidence allegedly included a list of Google searches by Brian Walshe made by his son’s iPad on and after January 1st.
Several of Ana Walshe’s friends told Boston 25 News that the disturbing image of how she was killed and what happened to her body after the murder triggers a deep sense of pain.
Understandably, these friends, who were initially determined to find Ana alive, say they now need time to process the grief and heal.
Since the announcement that the missing persons investigation had turned into a murder, tributes have been posted on social media in Ana’s memory.
“Thank you for being a great friend, leader, boss, mentor and supporter of women’s success,” read one post. “The opportunity you gave me transformed my career and helped me become the woman I am today.”
The memories shared about Ana show a strong woman who inspired others.
“I will never forget the first day I met you, full of energy, assertiveness and unwavering customer service. I knew you had high expectations of me and it’s been a struggle to even keep up with you,” read another post.
Several friends told Boston 25 News on Wednesday that despite knowing they have three young boys together, they still have many questions about why Brian Walshe allegedly murdered his wife.
“I don’t think anyone saw it coming. That’s the awful thing about it, isn’t it?” said Pamela Bardhi, who met Ana about a year and a half ago.
Prosecutors have not yet speculated on a motive or what happened in the moments leading up to the murder.
Ana Walshe was last seen on New Year’s Day and was reported missing by her employer, Tishman Speyer, three days later.
Her body was not found, and prosecutors believe some evidence was burned at various Massachusetts landfills.
Brian Walshe is being held without bail after pleading not guilty to the increased charges.
Walshe’s phone records allegedly show that on January 5 he went to his mother’s home in Swampscott and visited a dumpster in the complex.
According to prosecutors, items dropped off in the dumpster went to a transfer station in Peabody.
Prosecutors reportedly seized ten garbage bags and the items in those bags were bloodstained, including rags, slippers, Tyvek suits, duct tape, towels, gloves, carpets, cleaning supplies, rugs, Hunter boots, a Prada purse, Ana’s COVID-19 vaccination card, a hatchet, a hacksaw and cutting scissors.
This is an evolving story. Check for updates as more information becomes available.
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