Three husbands are currently facing serious allegations following the mysterious disappearances of their wives, including charges of murder and concealing a dead body—despite no bodies being found yet.
The women—Ana Walshe, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, and Mischa Johnson—have all vanished, and their husbands are suspected of involvement in their suspected homicides or hindering investigations.
Brian Walshe faces multiple charges, including misleading police, first-degree murder, and improper disposal of a human body. Naresh Bhatt is charged with concealing a dead body, while Dewayne Arthur Johnson II faces charges related to false statements and obstruction of justice, among others.
Brian Walshe has plead not guilty, while the other two have yet to enter pleas.
LinkedIn, US Army and Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool
Legal expert Rothstein commented on the challenges of prosecuting without a body, stating that compelling evidence establishing a motive is crucial. “When there’s an extended absence with no good reason, combined with a motive for the husband to harm her, it builds a circumstantial case,” he said.
While first-degree murder charges are rare in cases without a body, they are not impossible. Rothstein noted that cases involving children—like those of the missing women—often raise suspicions of foul play, especially when the mothers are depicted as dedicated parents.
For instance, Ana Walshe had three young children, Mamta Kafle Bhatt had a one-year-old, and Mischa Johnson was six months pregnant at the time of her disappearance.
In their defense, husbands may argue alternative explanations for the women’s disappearances—such as marital issues or accidents—as opposed to outright murder.
Ana Walshe: The Disappearance
Ana Walshe, 39, was last seen in her home in Massachusetts on New Year’s Day 2023. Her husband, Brian, reported her missing three days later and was arrested shortly afterward.
During searches, investigators uncovered blood and a bloody knife at the couple’s home. Though Ana’s body hasn’t been found, personal items belonging to her were discovered in a nearby dumpster.
Interestingly, authorities revealed that Brian Walshe allegedly searched for disturbing queries online about disposing of bodies.
Originally from Serbia, Ana married Brian in 2016 and worked as a regional general manager in real estate. He is scheduled to appear in court on December 2.
Mamta Kafle Bhatt: Last Seen
Mamta Kafle Bhatt, 28, was last seen on July 31 in Virginia. Her husband reported her missing days later. He was arrested in August for concealing a dead body, with evidence suggesting foul play in their home.
Mamta, originally from Nepal, had been working as a pediatric nurse and was married for three years. Naresh Bhatt is due in court on October 10.
Mischa Johnson: Missing Case
At just 19, Mischa Johnson vanished on the same day as Mamta, last seen at her home in Honolulu while pregnant. Her husband, Private First Class Dewayne Arthur Johnson II, was arrested in August regarding her disappearance.
Legal proceedings for this case will take place after a preliminary hearing, which is required under military justice before any charges can go to trial.
Cohasset Police Department