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Deliberations Underway in Brian Walshe Murder Trial; FDA Plans to Put Black Box Warning on COVID Vaccines. Aired 3:30-4p ET

Aired December 12, 2025 - 15:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[15:30:00]

BORIS SANCHEZ, CNN HOST: After eight days of testimony, the jury in the Brian Walshe murder trial has begun deliberations and we learned just moments ago that the jury has presented a question to the judge. Remember, the Massachusetts man is accused of killing his wife around New Year's Day in 2023, dismembering her body and illegally disposing of her remains. During closing arguments today, the defense told the panel of six women and six men that there is no proof that Walshe plotted to murder his wife.

On the flip side, prosecutors argued that Walshe needed his wife dead to resolve his federal fraud case and that he knew she was carrying on with an affair. Walshe faces life in prison without parole if convicted on the first degree murder charge.

CNN's Jean Casarez has been tracking the latest developments. So, Jean, what did the jury ask?

[15:35:00]

JEAN CASAREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, this is their first question. They've been retired for about three hours now. We don't know if they deliberated that whole time because there was lunch and they had the option there.

But the judge started out by saying that there are 265 exhibits in this case and she normally sends in a list of what exhibits there are. She's actually still getting that together, but it's number 97 that they requested, exhibit 97, which is a picture of Ana Walshe on the living room rug in their home. I think we have that picture.

It went into evidence. It was to show that that rug was in their living room when Ana was alive. Actually, her children are around it, but they blocked out the children, but that is her.

The fireplace is to the right. The television screen is to the left, sort of right there. And that's what they want, and that was part of the prosecution's closing argument.

Now, closing arguments this morning started with the defense, and the defense was that there is nothing in the evidence to show that Brian Walshe ever wanted to harm his wife. There was no motive for murder. He did not know about her extramarital affair, no evidence to show that he did. There was evidence that he was not jealous -- from Ana herself. She had said she had a crush on William Fastow to her husband, and he wasn't jealous in the least. That there was no evidence he wanted the life insurance policies because they were building a future monetarily of buying more investment properties. And the defense is saying without a motive, you don't have intent to commit murder.

You don't have a murder. You have something else. Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LARRY TIPTON, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Sudden and unexpected death may occur because someone is ill. All we know is that it happens. And the fact that someone doesn't believe it could happen doesn't mean that it doesn't.

Importantly, though, think about the shock of it happening. Think about the effect it would have on anyone, a lay person that has no idea it could happen.

ANNE YAS, PROSECUTOR: Ana Walshe dying a sudden death from natural causes defies common sense. She was in great shape. The defendant told police that Ana was a sturdy, serene woman.

Listen carefully to his reported interviews because those are his words after her death.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CASAREZ: The prosecution does not have a murder scene, but what they focused in on in the closing arguments was the rug, that rug in the living room, because they said that when it was found in the trash and there were sections that they cut in the trash, they found a charm from a necklace that she loved and wore all the time. And that charm said Gucci on it. And they also found a blood clot in that rug.

So they're basing that that is where the murder happened. And that is why the defendant tried to cover it up and put that rug in the trash.

SANCHEZ: Wow. There's also some important context that we need to share with viewers, which is that the jury doesn't know that Brian Walshe already pleaded guilty to inappropriately disposing of her body and also to misleading police regarding that. And if the jury doesn't know that it makes the prosecution's job arguably harder. It is a fact, though, that the judge told the jury it could consider second degree murder if they don't have first degree murder.

The distinguishing feature is that in first degree murder, there needs to be some thought out process as to why some deliberations, some planning. What do you think the jury is going to take from that?

CASAREZ: Well, they've got it. I think deliberations could be longer, number one, because there are two things to consider now, premeditated murder or causing the death with intent to kill or knowing that your actions could cause death as a reasonable person would decide. And so second degree, he can get out on parole in about 25 years if he's lucky.

But count one, that is life in prison with no possibility of parole. And, of course, the alternative is out and out acquittal because the defense says there's so much reasonable doubt in all of this. You cannot say beyond a reasonable doubt he premeditated or intended to kill Ana or did kill Ana.

SANCHEZ: Really a stunning case. Jean Casarez, thank you so much for the report.

CASAREZ: Thank you.

SANCHEZ: The most severe warning label could soon be on the COVID vaccine. We have details on why the FDA is reportedly planning this move next.

[15:40:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: A major new warning could be attached to COVID vaccines. As CNN has learned, the FDA intends to add a high-level black box warning to the label. The same type of safety alert that's on opioids and other high-risk medication.

Here's CNN's Meg Tirrell with what we know.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MEG TIRRELL, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, we've learned that the FDA is finalizing plans to put its most serious warning on COVID-19 vaccines. It's called a black box warning. And it shows up really at the top of prescribing information outlined in a black box.

So that prescribers and patients are aware of really serious risks that can be associated with products. Typically, this is reserved for situations where a medical product might be associated with the risk of death or life-threatening or disabling reactions. And really, it's there so that prescribers and patients can weigh those potential risks against the benefits of any intervention that they're considering.

Now, we've learned that this is in the process. It's not finalized and could still change.

[15:45:00]

But it comes after a memo was issued in late November by the FDA's vaccines chief, Dr. Vinay Prasad, which claimed that the COVID-19 vaccine has been linked to the deaths of at least 10 children. Now, this is a claim that outside experts say they haven't seen data to support and question if that is part of the impetus for adding this label to the vaccines, whether that is an appropriate course of action. Typically, also, the procedure for something like this involves a really public process.

The FDA typically, experts tell us, would let the public know that it's weighing this safety risk, sometimes call an outside panel of advisors to meet to discuss the safety data and whether to add this to the labels of a medical product. And so far, of course, we haven't seen any of that take place.

Now, we have reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services, which tells us in a statement, quote, "Unless the FDA announces it, any claim about what it will do is pure speculation. The FDA takes very seriously any death that is attributed to a regulated medical product."

We should also point out this is just the latest in a series of efforts under the Trump administration's health officials during this administration to weaken confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been a longtime critic of the COVID vaccines safety and efficacy. But we should also note that these vaccines were developed, tested and greenlit under the first Trump administration, really in a scientific feat that was so monumental that many Republicans now are calling for the president to win the Nobel Peace Prize for it.

COVID-19 vaccines are still recommended, especially for more vulnerable groups, including the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and also for children and babies under the age of two. All who are at a potentially higher risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19.

So there is a lot of concern that a warning like this placed on these vaccines could weaken confidence in them when vaccination rates are already low, potentially making those trends even worse.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANCHEZ: Meg Tirrell, thank you so much for that update.

Now to some of the other headlines we're watching this hour. The new Taylor Swift documentary series is finally here, but the very first episode takes a somber tone with the pop star opening up about a tragedy that claimed the lives of three of her young fans.

Remember, three girls were killed and eight others injured during a knife attack at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport, England, back in July of 2024. Swift reveals that she met with the families of the victims and survivors. During the documentary, she struggles to talk directly about the attack, trailing off and holding back tears.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TAYLOR SWIFT: There was this horrible attack in Liverpool at a Taylor Swift themed dance party. And it was little kids there.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SANCHEZ: Swift also talks about the moment she learned officials in Vienna foiled a terrorist plot planned for one of her shows, saying that she struggled to control her nerves for the next leg of Eras tour in London. We're also watching a 6.7 magnitude earthquake rocking the eastern

coast of Japan. Surveillance video shows the camera shaking as the quake struck.

This comes after a massive 7.5 magnitude quake earlier this week. More than two dozen people were hurt. Officials issued a tsunami warning for several areas along the Pacific Coast earlier today. That advisory has since been lifted.

Also, the queen of downhill skiing is back. Lindsey Vonn won the opening Women's World Cup downhill of the season and by doing so at the age of 41 became the oldest skier, woman or man, to ever win a World Cup race.

It's her first victory in nearly eight years and the first since her return from knee surgery. Despite winning, Vonn says she didn't ski the best and is excited for her next race to try to ski her best tomorrow.

And in just a few moments we're going to be joined by comedian Michael Ian Black for what you can expect at "ROY WOOD JR.'S VERY, VERY, VERY MERRY HOLIDAY SPECIAL" this weekend on CNN.

Plus, we have a sneak peek at the fashion and culture trends you should expect in 2026. And somehow it has to do with cabbage.

We'll be right back.

[15:50:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: If you're looking for a bit of holiday magic this weekend, tune in to CNN. This Sunday, "HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU" host Roy Wood Jr. Is going to be spreading some holiday cheer with music from the U.S. Air Force Band and country music artist Jesse James Decker. And, of course, tons of jokes and laughter from Roy, Craig Robinson, Michael Ian Black, and many more.

You can get into the holiday spirit if you join CNN live special event, "ROY WOOD JR.'S VERY, VERY, VERY MERRY HOLIDAY SPECIAL."

Joining us now to discuss all things holiday and what is sure to be an extremely fun night is "HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU" team captain Michael Ian Black. Thanks so much for being with us.

MICHAEL IAN BLACK, TEAM CAPTAIN, HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU: My pleasure. It's nice to meet you, and I watch you guys all the time, so it's a pleasure for me.

SANCHEZ: Appreciate you watching. What do we have in store for tomorrow? What are you most looking forward to?

BLACK: I mean, you sold it. You sold it really well. You got Roy Wood Jr., you got Craig Robinson, you got the Air Force Band, you got country western, you got comedy, you got everything. I don't know what else you're looking for in a holiday special, Boris.

SANCHEZ: How do you conjure the holiday spirit for an event like tomorrow's with so much going on in the world, so many distractions?

[15:55:00]

BLACK: I think the joy of this event is that it's taking a breather from all of the distractions, and I think especially for CNN viewers, that's going to be really nice. Like just get away from all the agita for a moment.

Just enjoy celebrating the holidays, however your family does it, and whatever holidays, whether it's Christmas or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa or Festivus or whatever.

SANCHEZ: Festivus for the rest of us, yes. Speaking of Festivus, what are your grievances for the year?

BLACK: OK, Nutella. Nutella came out with this thing called Nutella on the go, and I love Nutella. And they have these little breadsticks that go with it, and you dip it in.

But I'll tell you what happens. The breadsticks break. The Nutella, because it's packaged, it gets smooshed down, it's dense.

The breadsticks break. The Nutella -- Nutella, do better.

SANCHEZ: A perfect grievance for Nutella to address. What are some of your personal favorite holiday memories as you look back?

BLACK: I just had an image that I hadn't thought about in a while. We bought my son a cat when he was like eight years old, and the cat is still with us. And he wanted this cat, and we surprised him with it.

And that look of, like, wonder followed by an almost immediate, like, emotional breakdown. He was so excited and so, like, touched by the cat. That might be my favorite Christmas memory with my family.

SANCHEZ: Oh, that's amazing. Some of my favorite videos online are especially kids getting pets for the first time. And it seems to be a universal human reaction that people just have that emotional breakdown.

I don't totally understand why people get so infused with, like, tears and just profound feelings.

BLACK: I know, it's a little weird. It might have something to do with, like, when the Grinch's heart grows three sizes. It might be the same thing.

SANCHEZ: Yes, yes.

BLACK: You know, you see a kitten, and your heart just expands, and you have to weep.

SANCHEZ: Yes, yes. We certainly hope that a lot of hearts get bigger throughout this holiday season. It's been kind of rough for a lot of folks.

BLACK: I think a lot of people will be glad to see 2025 in the rearview mirror. But, you know, we've got 2026 to look forward to. And before that, celebrations with CNN and the very, very, very merry holiday.

SANCHEZ: Holiday special. I think.

BLACK: I think I know what it's called.

SANCHEZ: So you mentioned getting your son a cat a few years ago. What are they asking for this year?

BLACK: So I've got a son and a daughter, and they're now adults. And they both want the gift of cash.

SANCHEZ: That's a pretty good gift, I would say.

BLACK: I also want that gift.

SANCHEZ: It's not a bad gift.

BLACK: So it might be in my family that we just do a Donnie Brasco thing where everybody just hands each other envelopes of cash for the holidays.

Yes, yes, yes.

SANCHEZ: No explanation needed. Just envelopes of cash.

BLACK: Yes, yes, yes.

SANCHEZ: What was your favorite gift that you remember getting as a kid?

BLACK: I'll tell you the worst gift I got.

SANCHEZ: Yes.

BLACK: So I grew up in a very feminist household. And my mother was desperately trying to raise feminist sons.

And I am. I'm a feminist son. But when I was five, she bought me an Easy Bake oven. Do you remember those? You could make like a little cupcake from a light bulb.

And I was so excited because it was the biggest box under the tree. The biggest box. And so I saved it for last. I couldn't wait to see what it was.

It was an Easy Bake oven. I was furious.

SANCHEZ: You were furious?

BLACK: Devastated, yes.

SANCHEZ: I mean --

BLACK: Because I was like, I'm five. And even in that moment, I was like, why is she imposing her feminist agenda on me?

And let me tell you something. Those cupcakes, delicious.

SANCHEZ: Pretty good. It did not lead to a career in confections -- fortunately. It led to a career in comedy. And you can enjoy more of it when you tune in to "ROY WOOD JR.'S VERY, VERY, VERY MERRY HOLIDAY SPECIAL." This Sunday at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, right here on CNN, also on the CNN app.

Michael, please don't go anywhere because it's time to look into the future. The new year is fast approaching. And Pinterest is sharing its predictions for top trends in 2026. Featured on their not-yet-trending report, Cool Blue, from fashion and beauty to food and beverage.

Pinterest says this will be the color of the year. I don't know.

BLACK: There was another color released the other day. I want to say it was called Cloud Dancer.

SANCHEZ: Something like that.

Pretty good. Did you see that?

SANCHEZ: It was just white.

BLACK: Just white. And there were a lot of jokes made about that. And I won't repeat any of them but they're all good.

SANCHEZ: Pinterest also says that having a pen pal is going to be really in in 2026. The site's saying that they expect a quote, letter- writing renaissance.

Something called Poetcore is also on the list, which is essentially a Gen Z fashion trend of poetic wear, like turtlenecks, vintage blazers, using fountain pens as well. And get ready, 2026 is going to be the year of cabbage. Pinterest says live, laugh, leaf is going to be a 2026 motto as boomers and Gen Xers say goodbye to their cauliflower obsessions and grow cabbage.

They're calling it the new MVP in the kitchen. Not a cabbage guy.

[16:00:00]

BLACK: I feel like Pinterest might be trolling us right now. I'm having a hard time envisioning both letter-writing and cabbage making a big comeback in 2026. I'm having a hard time imagining.

SANCHEZ: Yes. I don't know. The past and future colliding all at once. Who knows? Michael Ian Black, thanks so much. We look forward to seeing you this weekend.

BLACK: Thank you so much.

SANCHEZ: Of course. "THE ARENA" with Kasie Hunt starts right now. Thanks so much for joining us.

END