He Stabbed His Girlfrend, Then Drove to Restaurant & Attacked Parents

Benjamin Walsh battled substance abuse and mental illness, but had never been violent. He realized he needed help with both. in recent weeks. That changed in early 2018 when he went on a rampage that left his girlfriend dead and his parents wounded.

The Murder of Olivia Bangstrom

Olivia Bangstrom was only 20 years old on February 10, 2018, when 24-year-old Benjamin stabbed her to death inside the apartment they shared in Needham, Massachusetts.

Olivia was a daughter, sister, niece, and friend to many. She had a big heart and loved animals, especially horses. She was a dog mom to Scarlett.  She had so much life left to live when Benjamin senselessly took it all away. He took a beautiful spirit away from so many who loved her.

Restaurant Attack

The Walsh family had previously planned a gathering at a restaurant for the same evening.  Benjamin cleaned up and headed to the Primvera Restaurant to join his family. He left Olivia bleeding to death on the floor.

Benjamin knew that several family members would be at the restaurant. He walked in the door and ran to the table where they were seated. He screamed, “I’m going to kill everyone." He then lunged toward his mother, Laura, stabbing her twice in the stomach. He then turned his eyes on his father, Michael, and stabbed him once. Relatives were able to subdue him until police arrived.

Police transported Benjamin, Michael, and Laura to local hospitals. Benjamin sustained scrapes and lacerations during the struggle with the knife.  Laura and Michael were treated for their injuries and released from the hospital.

Authorities found Olivia dead in the apartment a short time later.  Blood spatter covered the walls and carpeting. 

Arrest & Conviction

On February 13, 2018, Benjamin was arraigned on murder charges from his hospital bed. He laterpleaded not guilty to all charges.

Days before jury selection was scheduled to begin, Benjamin accepted a plea deal for second-degree murder and assault. Prosecutors consulted with both families before offering him the plea deal.

The judge sentenced him to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years. He is incarcerated at Old Colony Correctional Center.

The Motive

Benjamin never offered a motive for the murder or stabbing of his parents. It has been theorized that he was intoxicated on drugs at the time he committed the crimes.

My Thoughts

I am not a doctor nor a mental health expert. I do know that statistics show mentally ill people are more likely to hurt themselves than others. Anxiety, intense paranoia, and delusions are common symptoms experienced by mentally ill people. Drug use exacerbates the symptoms and may lead to violent behavior. I cannot imagine any other reason why this horrible crime could have occurred. My deepest condolences to Olivia's family and my best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Walsh.

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Sources:

https://people.com/crime/massachusetts-man-pleads-guilty-to-murdering-girlfriend-then-stabbing-his-parents/

https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/man-pleads-guilty-to-2018-murder-of-his-girlfriend-in-needham/2680360/