Jury convicts Welsh in double murder of mother and son

The Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office announced, on Feb. 16, the conviction of Brian K. Welsh in the 2018 double homicide of a mother and her adult son inside their Aldie home. 

         After a 16 -day trial, a Loudoun County jury found Welsh, 41, guilty on two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Acting Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Barry Zweig and Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Shara Krogh, presented the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. The jury deliberated for over 3 days before rendering the verdict.  The sentencing portion of the trial will begin on the afternoon of Feb. 16, at 1 p.m.

         “Our condolences are with the Manwani family.  We know that even with this conviction, there is no curing the heartbreak and trauma they have experienced and continue to endure.  This case is a tragedy on every level. Today’s decision ensures we are able to keep our community safer.  We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their investigative professionalism and dedication to the Loudoun County community. We appreciate the time, energy, and devotion to due process shown by the judge and jurors, and we further thank the witnesses.” said Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj. 

         The victims, Mala Manwani, 65, and her son Rishi, 32, were found murdered inside their home in the 25000 block of Tomey Court on Jan. 31, 2018. Loudoun Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the residence after authorities were notified by the mother’s co-worker that she had not come to work that week.  

          During the course of the trial, the Commonwealth introduced expert testimony in the field of firearms, DNA, fingerprints, computer, and cell phone forensics, as well as cellular phone location data. Testimony presented during the court proceedings showed that Welsh was with Rishi Manwani on Jan. 29, and Welsh owed Rishi money for prior narcotics transactions. On that same day, Welsh gave the firearm used in the murders to his brother and the gun was recovered by Loudoun Sheriff’s Detectives at their parent’s home. A Virginia Department of Forensic Scientist testified the tool marks from the firearm’s firing pin, and extractor, forensically matched shell casings recovered by LCSO Crime Scene Investigators inside the Manwani’s home. 

         “It is rewarding to find justice for the Manwani family,” said Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman. “This was a complex case that required extensive evidence analysis, and our detectives dedicated countless hours to the investigation to help ensure a successful prosecution. I am proud of the professionalism of all our staff and the prosecutorial team with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney,” added Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman. 

        Welsh will continue to be held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center without bond.