FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A real estate heir will be back in court Monday to face a first-degree murder charge in the deaths of his wife and her parents, as authorities continue to investigate into how he allegedly orchestrated the three slayings.
Fort Lauderdale real estate heir Brian Walshe, 47, was charged in the 2021 deaths of his 44-year-old wife, Ana Walshe, and her 69-year-old mother, Elida Marugan; and 67-year-old father, Bontazzi Marugan, in November 2021.
Walshe is being held without bond in the Broward County Jail, where he has been since his arrest in December. Monday’s hearing is expected to address procedural issues and set the stage for his trial.
According to court documents, Walshe has uttered a “no contest” plea, which is similar to a not guilty plea. But his lawyer, Bruce Singh, said Friday that the Walshe family is seeking a change of venue, saying that the intense media attention surrounding the case makes it impossible for him to get a fair trial in Broward County.
Prosecutors claim that Walshe orchestrated the murders, which were found to have been carried out by a hitman hired by Walshe. The motive for the slayings is believed to be a dispute over money and inheritance, according to court documents.
Walshe, who is the son of billionaire Bob Walshe, can dedicate an annual trust fund to his use, which is reserved for him by his father. The 41-year-old wife was due to inherit the trust, according to court documents.
Walshe’s father, Bob Walshe, has taken steps to disinherit his son and has taken out a $10 million insurance policy on his son, citing concerns that he was becoming increasingly involved in illegal activities.
Walshe’s legal team has argued that the prosecution lacks evidence and that the case is based on circumstantial evidence. Singh has also questioned the credibility of the prosecution’s key witness, a co-defendant who is expected to testify against Walshe.
The trial is expected to last several weeks, with jury selection estimated to begin on March 20.
