A missing Massachusetts woman reportedly told friends a “big surprise” was on the way before she vanished New Year’s Day but never got the chance to explain what it was.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Ana Walshe was last seen by a family member in her Cohasset apartment between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. on January 1, according to Cohasset police Chief William Quigley.
NBC Washington reports that friends Mike and Mandi Silva noticed some alarming behavior before she disappeared, including the reference to the surprise.
Ana reportedly began parting with her possessions in the months following her disappearance, including her car and apartment. According to Mike Silva, she sold the car for cash in late December.
“Nothing is adding up,” Mandi Silva said.
According to court documents, Ana’s husband, Brian Walshe, told police that she left home on January 1 to travel to Washington, D.C., where she works. Brian Walshe claimed she took an Uber or Lyft from home to the airport; however, prosecutors said there is no evidence of her leaving the home that day.
Prosecutors said Ana’s cell phone pinged in the apartment area on January 1 and 2.
Brian Walshe said he went to his mother’s home on January 1, but it took longer than he expected because he got lost. According to what he said, he stopped by a CVS and a Whole Foods store that day, but prosecutors say there is no evidence or receipts that he stopped by those stores.
He then reportedly claimed he went out to get smoothies with his sons on January 2 and didn’t leave home again, but surveillance footage shows him also going to a Home Depot store to buy $450 worth of cleaning supplies.
He was subsequently arrested on charges of hindering a missing person’s investigation.
“He’s on surveillance at that time on Jan. 2, even though he said he never left the house, police obtained a search warrant and actually searched the house with crime scene services. During that time, they found blood in the basement,” Norfolk Assistant District Attorney Lynn Beland said.
“Blood was found in the basement area, as well as a knife, which also contained some blood.”
Quigley said Ana’s cellphone, credit card, and debit cards have not been used since New Year’s Day.
Police first said she was reported missing on January 4 by the defendant and her Washington, D.C.-based employer. In court, however, it was determined that only Ana’s employer made the initial missing persons report.
“Police were notified around Jan. 4 by her employees in Washington, D.C. that she had not showing up for work on Jan. 4. That was the first time that (police were) notified that she was missing,” Beland said.
A judge set his bail at $500,000.
The defendant was already wearing an ankle monitor in connection with a different case. Check back for updates.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:
[Featured image: Ana Walshe/Police Handout]
