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December 20, 2023 6 mins
What goes through the mind of a person accused of such a heinous crime as the murder and dismembering of their spouse? This chilling question is at the heart of the latest episode of "Hidden Killers," where host Tony Brueski engages with psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott to dissect the complex psychological landscape of Brian Walshe.
 
 Almost a year after the murder of Ana Walshe, the case remains as baffling as it is horrifying. The evidence against Brian, particularly his Google searches made moments after Ana's murder, paints a disturbing picture of a man seemingly unconcerned with the gravity of his actions. Queries about stopping a body from decomposing and cleaning blood off a wooden floor are just the tip of the iceberg in this unsettling case.
 
 The recent withdrawal of Brian's attorney, citing irreconcilable differences, adds another layer of intrigue to the case. Scott expresses surprise at the timing of this decision, given that it's a year into the proceedings. She speculates on the possible reasons for such a move, whether it be emotional exhaustion, the defendant's uncooperativeness, or the sheer indefensibility of the case. "What could be going on that's causing an attorney to step out like this? It doesn't happen often," Scott ponders.
 
 Brueski and Scott then delve into the psyche of Brian Walshe. His actions, from the internet searches to his nonchalant trip to Home Depot for supplies, suggest a disconcerting detachment and lack of emotion. In court, Brian's demeanor, marked by a stoic expression and a steadfast not guilty plea despite overwhelming evidence, raises questions about his mental state. "He certainly doesn't sound very bright, you know, leaving again this glowing fluorescent trail of his behavior," Scott observes.
 
 The conversation shifts to the possibility of a sadistic element in Brian's actions. Scott posits that the dismemberment of Ana's body, beyond being a method to facilitate disposal, may indicate a deeper, more disturbing tendency towards sadism and rage. This hypothesis aligns with Brian's apparent lack of remorse or guilt, traits often associated with psychopathic behavior.
 
 One of the most perplexing aspects of the case is Brian's ability to maintain his narrative of innocence. Scott suggests that individuals like Brian often justify their actions to themselves, creating a reality that aligns with their version of events. "For folks with psychopathic tendencies, they can always give you a good reason for what they did, no matter how horrible it was," she explains. This self-justification, devoid of normal remorse or guilt, enables them to live in a world constructed by their own deceptions.
 
 The episode concludes with a darkly humorous reference to Brian's alleged involvement in selling fake Andy Warhol paintings, a bizarre and seemingly incongruent aspect of this complex case. This facet of Brian's life adds to the enigma of his character, a man accused of a brutal crime yet seemingly engaged in mundane activities like art dealings.
 
 As listeners are left to ponder the depths of Brian Walshe's mind, one cannot help but wonder: How does a person reach such a state of moral disengagement? What psychological mechanisms allow someone to not only commit such acts but also to rationalize and justify them to themselves? The case of Brian and Ana Walshe, with its myriad twists and unfathomable actions, continues to baffle and disturb, serving as a stark reminder of the complexities and sometimes dark capabilities of the human psyche.
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