(NewsNation) — Brian Walshe has been found guilty of first degree murder in the death of his wife, Ana Walshe.
The defense called no witnesses and did not dispute allegations that he chopped up his wife’s body, but said he did so because he panicked after finding her dead.
Walshe pleaded guilty to improperly disposing of his wife’s body and lying to police, but pleaded not guilty to murder.
Ana Walshe was reported missing by her employer in 2023, and her husband told investigators she had left the couple’s Massachusetts home to handle an emergency at her job in Washington, D.C.
At the time, Brian Walshe was at home awaiting sentencing in an unrelated art fraud case involving the sale of two fake Andy Warhol paintings and owed about $475,000 in restitution. Investigators testified Ana Walshe had taken out a $2.7 million life insurance policy naming him as beneficiary.
Prosecutors prevented evidence that included surveillance images of Brian Walshe buying cleaning supplies, a hacksaw and Tyvex suit after his wife’s death, and internet searches about how to dispose of a body.
Prosecutors also suggested the Walshes’ marriage was in trouble and that Brian Walshe knew his wife was having an affair.
Ana Walshe’s body has not been recovered. Sentencing for Brian Walshe is scheduled for Wednesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.