A blogger advocating for the release of Karen Read, the Massachusetts woman accused of hitting her Boston police officer boyfriend with her car and leaving him for dead in the snow last year, now faces charges of witness intimidation, according to a special prosecutor.
Aidan Kearney, the author behind the blog "Turtleboy News," is confronting six counts of witness intimidation involving a juror, police officer, and court official, alongside one count of conspiracy.
Kearney is recognized for donning "Free Karen Read" shirts and providing extensive coverage of the case. He has alleged a cover-up by officials in their investigation into the death of 46-year-old John O’Keefe.
In a court hearing streamed by Boston Fox affiliate WFXT, special prosecutor Kenneth Morro accused Kearney of attempting to prejudice the jury pool and subjecting witnesses to continuous harassment and intimidation in the public eye.
According to the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office, O’Keefe was found unresponsive outside a residence in Canton early on January 29, 2022. He was subsequently pronounced dead after being taken to the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton. Read was arrested a few days later and charged with second-degree murder and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death.
Morro stated that Kearney began covering the case in April 2023, but his involvement has gone beyond traditional reporting. Kearney has posted videos on YouTube where he sent messages to witnesses connected to the case, indicating a desire to remain engaged with the proceedings.
Kearney also assisted in raising funds for "Free Karen Read" billboards near Gillette Stadium, with the intention of increasing awareness about the case in Norfolk County, where the trial is taking place.
Morro argued that these actions were aimed at tainting the jury pool. Additionally, Kearney allegedly disclosed the cellphone number of the Massachusetts State Police trooper investigating the case.
Kearney's defense argued that he is a news person exercising his First Amendment rights to cover a story.
Massachusetts law defines witness intimidation as any willful threat, attempt, or act causing physical, emotional, economic harm, or property damage to someone testifying in a case.
Canton police Chief Helena Rafferty and District Attorney Michael Morrissey have criticized Kearney's tactics without directly naming him. They expressed concerns about the impact on witnesses, potentially preventing them from testifying in future cases.
Kearney maintained that neither he nor his supporters have sought to influence or deter witnesses from testifying.
Morrissey emphasized that witness intimidation in the case is unacceptable and the false narrative that O’Keefe entered a home and struggled before being killed should be corrected. O’Keefe was found dead outside, and those associated with the home were not involved in a cover-up.
Kearney vowed to continue advocating for Karen Read's release and for accountability in O'Keefe's death.
The judge ordered Kearney not to contact the witnesses he's accused of intimidating, and following his release, Kearney emerged from the courthouse wearing a "Free Karen Read" hoodie and holding up peace signs.
Is the idea of getting free items appealing to you? There's an abundance of free offers that await your involvement, giving you the chance to acquire some complimentary items. You won't have to make any purchases – it's all about participating. Click here and try your luck at winning something on your wish list.
Comments
Post a Comment