Judge grants request to not send Needham stabbing suspect to mental hospital

NEEDHAM, Mass. — A hearing was held Thursday involving the man from Needham accused of stabbing his parents during a family gathering at a restaurant in Millis after stabbing his girlfriend to death inside their apartment.

Benjamin Walsh, 24, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his girlfriend, Olivia Bergstrom, and the stabbing of his family.

Walsh was arraigned from a hospital bed back in February, two days after the stabbings.

Walsh's father told Boston 25 News his son openly struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues.

>>PREVIOUS: Father stabbed by son says suspect was 'out of his mind'

Two days before the stabbing - Walsh had checked himself out of the McLean Psychiatric Hospital.

Bergstrom's family released a statement after her death, saying she was a lover of animals, smart and vibrant, and loved her family fiercely.

>>PREVIOUS: Family, friends hold vigil for victim of alleged stabbing spree

Prosecutors asked that Walsh not be sent to a mental hospital and the judge granted that request. The judge is now giving prosecutors until May 10 to present a case.

Cox Media Group