DEDHAM, Mass. —
Less than one month before Brian Walshe is due to go on trial for the murder and dismemberment of his wife, a judge is ordering that he undergo a mental health evaluation.
Judge Diane Freniere issued the order for a competency examination on Monday, the case docket shows. The court did not release a copy of her order to NewsCenter 5, citing medical records.
The title of Freniere's order cites a state law that allows the court to order an examination, "whenever a court of competent jurisdiction doubts whether a defendant in a criminal case is competent to stand trial or is criminally responsible by reason of mental illness or mental defect."
Later Monday, a hearing was held, and Brian Walshe was ordered to be sent to Bridgewater State Hospital for 20 days to determine