When Karen Read returns to court for her retrial in the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, the prosecution in the controversial and closely watched case will be led by a new, outside attorney with experience in high-profile cases.
Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey announced Wednesday that he's tapped defense attorney Hank Brennan as a special assistant DA to lead the retrial, calling him "a highly respected and skilled former prosecutor and long-time defense attorney with over 25 years of experience in state and federal courts" who has experience with complex cases.
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"I look forward to Attorney Brennan working in concert with the trial team of Assistant District Attorneys Adam Lally, Laura McLaughlin, and Caleb Schillinger," Morrissey said.
Brennan, who represented mobster James "Whitey" Bulger in his federal murder trial in Boston, said in a statement that he assumes "full responsibility and all obligations for prosecuting this case and will do so meticulously, ethically, and zealously, without compromise."
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He continued, "I have two core obligations. The first is to make certain that Karen Read receives a fair trial. Ms. Read will receive the dignity and fairness that every defendant deserves in our criminal justice system. The second is to ensure that the facts surrounding John O’Keefe’s death are fully and fairly aired in the courtroom without outside influence. I guarantee that I will work tirelessly with the trial team to prepare this case for trial in January of 2025."
Morrissey didn't share more information in his announcement, citing the ongoing criminal matter.
The retrial is due to begin in January.
Read has been represented by two high-profile attorneys of her own, Los Angeles-based lawyer Alan Jackson and local David Yannetti. They have also been part of the team that appealed to the highest court in Massachusetts, the Supreme Judicial Court, to have two of the three charges brought by the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office dismissed.
"The news that Michael Morrissey has decided to use taxpayer funds to hire an outside lawyer to prosecute this case speaks volumes about his confidence in his own team," Jackson told NBC10 Boston in a statement Wednesday. "They can bring anyone they want to court. We will beat this unjust prosecution, just like we did the last time. Like we've said to Mr. Morrissey previously, do your worst. We'll see you in court."
Lally led the prosecution in the first trial. Watch his opening and closing statements here:
