Needham Murder Case Moved To Superior Court

NEEDHAM, MA — A Needham resident who is charged with killing his girlfriend and stabbing his parents during a family party appeared in court Friday.

Benjamin Walsh was recently indicted by a grand jury on charges of first degree murder, two counts of armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and aggravated assault and battery. The indictment moves the case to Norfolk Superiror Court in Dedham, where Walsh appeared Friday for his arraignment. He pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bail, according to the Norfolk County District Attorney's office.

Walsh is currently undergoing treatment at Bridgewater State Hospital.

Police responded to a report of a stabbing at Primavera in Millis just before 7 p.m. on Feb. 10. Officers at the scene found a woman, later identified as Walsh's mom, with banquet liens held to her abdomen and four to five men restraining Walsh, according to a police report.

Multiple witnesses told police that Walsh entered the restaurant while yelling profanities and wielding a knife. He allegedly lunged at his mother, stabbed her, and did the same to his father. As Walsh was taken to the police cruiser and into custody, he allegedly yelled, "F*** you b******, I'm going to kill you all." He also allegedly told at least one person at the restaurant that he killed his girlfriend.

A short time later, officers were advised to conduct a wellness check at Walsh's Needham apartment. Police found Walsh's girlfriend, 20-year-old Olivia Bergstrom, dead from an apparent stabbing. Police allege that Bergstrom was stabbed 20 times, including 13 times in the back.

Walsh, a Millis native, lived with Bergstrom in Needham for about six months. His district court arraignment was held Feb. 12 at Milford Regional Medical Center.

Walsh is due back in court Aug. 15 for a pre-trial conference.

Image Credit: Benjamin Walsh during his initial hospital arrangement in February. Credit: Art Illman/The Metro West Daily News via AP, Pool