Massachusetts man pleads guilty to killing his girlfriend and stabbing his parents

NEEDHAM, Mass. (TCD) -- A 28-year-old man pleaded guilty this week to killing his girlfriend and then stabbing his parents in 2018.

WCVB-TV reports Benjamin Walsh entered the plea for second-degree murder on the same day jury selection for his trial for the murder of Olivia Bergstrom was slated to begin.

According to WCVB, Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey reportedly said in a statement, "This brings its own finality to the proceeding. The outcome of a trial is never assured, and appeals procedures in murder cases span many years. I cannot imagine the pain of Olivia’s parents, and my thoughts are very much with them today."

In February 2018, Walsh killed Bergstrom, 20, in their Needham apartment, according to WCVB. He then drove to Primavera Restaurant in Millis and attacked his parents, who were there for a family birthday party. Walsh reportedly yelled, "I'm going to kill you all" inside the restaurant.

Millis Police said Feb. 10, 2018, their officers responded to the restaurant for a domestic incident. When officers arrived, they reportedly found a "husband and wife with significant stab wounds," and both were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

According to NBC Boston, Bergstrom was found partially clothed and had 13 stab wounds on her back. She sustained three stab wounds to her abdomen. Walsh's family said he had mental health issues and his family as well as Bergstrom were trying to help him.

The Norfolk County District Attorney initially charged Walsh with first-degree murder and other charges.

According to WHDH-TV, Judge Beverly Cannone said, "The Commonwealth has agreed to reduce the first degree murder charge to second degree murder with the support of the victim’s parents" for several reasons. Cannone said the new charges "ensures the safety of the community, avoids the challenges and stresses of a trial, acknowledges the defendant’s brutal acts and the twenty-five year minimum sentence prior to the possibility of parole is significant and substantial."

Walsh was sentenced to life in prison and will be eligible for parole in 25 years.

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