An Irishman convicted of murdering a Dublin man in a ‘love triangle’ dispute has secured a significantly reduced prison sentence following a last-minute plea bargain.
Wayne Walsh, initially facing up to 18 years behind bars for the killing of Carl Carr, will now serve just five years in prison plus further year for the illegal possession of a firearm, years after reaching an agreement with prosecutors days before his trial was set to begin.
Walsh, 37, had been warned he could spend nearly two decades in prison for his role in Carr’s death at a Costa Blanca apartment. However, in a surprising development, he was granted a one-third reduction in his sentence after pleading guilty to homicide and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Even more astonishingly, Walsh has been permitted to remain free on bail to settle his affairs before beginning his prison term. He has been ordered to report to prison between March 11 and 20 or face arrest.
The Murder and Aftermath
The case also implicated Simon Fahy, a 31-year-old from Kilkenny, who passed away in October 2023 while authorities attempted to extradite him from Ireland. Fahy and Walsh were accused of fatally attacking Carl Carr with a knuckle duster and a knife on September 17, 2018, at the apartment they shared in Torrevieja, south of Alicante.
Prosecutors alleged Fahy witnessed Carr engaging in sexual activity with Walsh’s ex-girlfriend, British model Milly Leonard, and subsequently alerted Walsh, who was at a nearby pub. The two men then allegedly attacked Carr with the intention of ending his life.
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Following the murder, they reportedly enlisted the help of a Spanish associate, Alberto Fernandez Camino, to clean up the crime scene. Carr’s body was then transported in the trunk of Walsh’s Audi A4 and buried in a remote area about 20 minutes away.
His remains were discovered in January 2019, over five months after he had last been seen, in woodland near the AP-7 motorway between Benijofar and Algorfa.
Plea Bargain Agreements
Walsh was one of five defendants set to stand trial at a court in Elche. The others included his former girlfriend, Milly Leonard, bar worker Natalie Jane Edwards, Anna Marie Hudson, and Spanish national Alberto Fernandez Camino. All five appeared in court to finalize plea deals negotiated with prosecutors and Carl Carr’s mother’s lawyer.
While Walsh’s sentence was reduced to 5 years, plus an additional year for possession of a weapon, the three women and Fernandez Camino, originally facing up to three years in prison for concealment, saw their sentences reduced to just three months. Due to time already served or suspended sentences, none of them will spend additional time in custody.
As part of the plea deal, Walsh must pay Carl’s mother, Marie, €100,000, twice the amount he would have been required to pay had he gone to trial and been convicted. It is understood that €95,000 has already been paid.
Reaction from Carl Carr’s Family
Speaking outside the court, Carl’s mother, Marie, 60, expressed her sorrow and frustration. “I signed this agreement with a very heavy heart because I didn’t want to put my family through any more suffering. This has already done their mental health a lot of damage. I was told there would be graphic evidence at trial, and I couldn’t put them through that,” she said.
She also rejected Walsh’s attempt to apologize. “He came over with a sad face, and I said ‘no.’ Then as he walked away, I told him, ‘I don’t accept your apologies.’”
Social Media Controversy
Walsh has faced criticism for mocking the Spanish justice system through social media posts. While awaiting trial, he uploaded TikTok videos showcasing a carefree lifestyle, including one where he was seen driving a speedboat, captioned “Roll on the summer.” He also used the phrase ‘chilling like a villain’ alongside a clover emoji.
Following public backlash, he later made his account private and removed the controversial tagline.
Additional Criminal Allegations
Reports suggest Walsh rekindled his relationship with Milly Leonard after a prior breakup but was also involved with Natalie Edwards, fuelling the ‘love triangle’ narrative. However, the prosecution made no mention of ongoing romantic ties in their official indictment.
In March 2023, Walsh was re-arrested in Spain for allegedly leading a drug trafficking operation while on conditional bail. Authorities suspected he headed a gang in Torrevieja using courier services to distribute drugs to the UK, Ireland, and the US. It remains unclear whether he has been formally charged in connection with these allegations.
With the plea deal finalized, Walsh now faces a reduced sentence, but for Carl Carr’s family, the pain and injustice will long remain.
