Citing financial strain, Brian Walshe appointed public defender in Cohasset murder case.

David R. Smith, The Patriot Ledger
Updated ·1 min read
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Brian Walshe and defense attorney Tracy Miner in Norfolk Superior Court on Thursday, April 27, 2023.
Brian Walshe and defense attorney Tracy Miner in Norfolk Superior Court on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

Citing her client's inability to pay, the private attorney for the Cohasset man accused of murder in the dismemberment of his wife last year has withdrawn from the case, according to the Norfolk County district attorney's office.

Brian Walshe told the court he doesn't have the money to continue employing attorney Tracy Miner and needs to be appointed a public defender.

That requested was granted Dec. 14. Walshe will now be represented by public defender Larry Tipton.

Tipton also represents Emanuel Lopes, the Brockton man accused of shooting and killing Weymouth police Sgt. Michael Chesna and Weymouth resident Vera Adams in 2018. Following a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury this past July, a new trial in that case will begin Jan. 8.

Walshe is accused of killing his wife, Ana, who prosecutors say was last seen on the morning of Jan. 1.

Larry Tipton delivers his closing argument in the double-murder trial of Emanuel Lopes on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.
Larry Tipton delivers his closing argument in the double-murder trial of Emanuel Lopes on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.

The charges include murder, misleading a police investigation/obstruction of justice and improper conveyance, or transport, of a human body.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Brian Walshe's appointed public defender in Cohasset murder case