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Boston Globe
24-06-2025
- Boston Globe
Karen Read's lead lawyer rips special prosecutor for ‘egregious breach' of ethics in statement following acquittal
Advertisement Brennan, a prominent Boston defense attorney whose client roster has included the late South Boston gangster Whitey Bulger, didn't immediately return an email seeking comment Tuesday. In Prosecutor Hank Brennan finishes up his closing arguments during the murder trial of Karen Read in Norfolk Superior Court, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Mark Stockwell/The Sun Chronicle via AP, Pool) Mark Stockwell/Associated Press 'I am disappointed in the verdict and the fact that we could not achieve justice for John O'Keefe and his family,' Brennan said. Read, 45, was Advertisement Prosecutors said she backed her Lexus SUV in a drunken rage into O'Keefe after dropping him off outside a Fairview Road home in Canton early on Jan. 29, 2022, following a night of bar hopping. Karen Read embraces a supporter as she leaves the courthouse at the start of the third day of jury deliberations in her trial at Norfolk Superior Court, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds) Josh Reynolds/Associated Press Her lawyers said she was framed and asserted that O'Keefe entered the property, owned at the time by a fellow Hub cop, where he was fatally beaten and possibly mauled by a German Shepherd before his body was planted on the front lawn. Jurors determined the government had failed to prove the felonies beyond a reasonable doubt but did find Read guilty of a misdemeanor OUI offense, for which she received a year of probation. Brennan said that following 'an independent and thorough review of all the evidence, I concluded that the evidence led to one person, and only one person. Neither the closed federal investigation [of the state probe] nor my independent review led me to identify any other possible suspect or person responsible for the death of John O'Keefe.' Numerous people who were at the home that night have faced accusations that they were involved in O'Keefe's death or took part in a cover-up, allegations that were spurred by the defense, online discussions, and a large movement of Karen Read supporters who championed her innocence. None of the witnesses have been charged in connection to the case, which triggered the separate federal grand jury investigation. 'The campaign of intimidation and abuse that has been waged, funded, and promoted in public and on social media is the antithesis of justice,' Brennan said. 'If this type of conduct becomes commonplace, it will threaten the integrity of our judicial system affecting both victims and criminally accused. We cannot condone witness abuse causing participants to worry for their own safety or that of their families.' Advertisement Brennan said he hopes that with the verdict, the witnesses and families tied to the case will be left alone. He also extended condolences to the O'Keefe family and 'faith that over the coming years they will find peace and closure.' 'The harassment of these innocent victims and family members is deplorable and should never happen again in a case in this Commonwealth,' he said. Jackson, in his fiery rejoinder Tuesday, said Brennan had violated court rules with his verbiage. 'The Rules of Professional Conduct are clear: A prosecutor should support the legitimacy of the justice system and promote public confidence in its operations,' Jackson said. 'Openly attacking a jury's verdict because he disagrees with it undermines that centuries'-old edict.' Jackson also pushed back on the government's contention that the state probe into O'Keefe's death was thorough. 'If that were true, the Commonwealth would have uncovered what we, the defense, uncovered: hidden exculpatory evidence; lies and perjury by the Commonwealth's own witnesses; cops covering for other cops; a biased and corrupt lead investigator with personal ties to witnesses; and inculpatory and suspicious conduct by myriad witnesses.' Jackson reiterated a defense mantra that Read is 'factually innocent' of killing O'Keefe. 'This case is a stark reminder that there has been a complete breakdown in what is supposed to be our justice system,' Jackson said. 'Those in power are more interested in protecting themselves than the citizens that they are sworn to protect.' The defense is thankful for the jury's verdict, Jackson said. Advertisement 'But make no mistake—if DA Michael Morrissey had his way, the truth never would have come out in this case,' Jackson said. 'It would have been lost somewhere in private and deleted conversations that would never have seen the light of day. Corruption like this doesn't happen in isolation. How many innocent people have been railroaded because of failures in our judicial system? We, as citizens, must demand more of our institutions." Read still faces a wrongful death lawsuit brought by O'Keefe's family in Plymouth Superior Court. Travis Andersen can be reached at
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Body that washed ashore in Rhode Island identified as missing Mansfield man
A body that washed ashore in mid-May in Rhode Island has been confirmed to be that of a missing Mansfield man, authorities said. Eric A. Wein, 31, was reported missing to Mansfield Police on April 18. His vehicle was found parked illegally on Ocean Avenue in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, on April 10 and towed away. South Kingstown Police said Friday they have been notified by the Rhode Island Medical Examiners Office that the human remains that washed ashore May 14 in Westerly, Rhode Island have been positively identified as those of Wein. South Kingstown Police Chief Matthew C. Moynihan said his department has concluded its investigation and no foul play is suspected. 'We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Wein's family and loved ones during this difficult time,' Moynihan said. Police in Rhode Island and Massachusetts actively looked for Wein after he was reported missing. In July 2022, he was arrested on several charges, including assaulting a Seekonk police officer with a large knife. Police had responded to a tow yard in the south end of Seekonk for a reported nighttime break-in in progress. Officers found Wein armed with a large, machete-like knife that was attached to his waistband. After initially obeying police orders, Wein started resisting and fighting with the officers, police said. During the altercation, one of the officers suffered injuries from the suspect's weapon, police said. The officer was taken to a medical facility and later released. Wein was charged with attempted breaking and entering, possession of a burglary instrument, assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon and resisting arrest. The Sun Chronicle is a news partner of To subscribe to The Sun Chronicle, click here. Boston Red Sox trade for 'another good fastball in the bullpen' 'Clash of the Cans' mural contest transforms empty lot in Holyoke Alex Cora explains why Red Sox are sitting Jarren Duran, playing Roman Anthony on Friday Boston Bruins trade for former 1st-round pick Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird sparked old rivalry in 2009 WNBA playoffs Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
South Attleboro man killed in head-on crash in Wareham
A South Attleboro man was killed in a highway crash Thursday in Wareham. Matthew Burns, 49, died when his motorcycle collided with an oncoming car on Route 28 or Cranberry Highway in Wareham late Thursday afternoon, the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office said. Burns was traveling northbound on Cranberry Highway when witnesses reported he lost control of the motorcycle and collided with a Mercedes compact SUV traveling in the other direction, authorities said. Wareham Police and State Police officers found Burns unresponsive and pronounced him dead following CPR. The driver of the Mercedes was being treated at an area hospital. The driver of the SUV, an unnamed woman, told police she saw several motorcyclists on the opposite side of the road and when going around a bend, one of the motorcyclists lost control of his motorcycle and swerved into her lane. She told police she couldn't avoid colliding with the motorcycle, officials said. There were four other motorcyclists with Burns at the time of the crash, and one suffered minor injuries, they added. Part of the highway was shut down because of the crash, which is still under investigation by State Police. It was the second motorcycle accident in Wareham this week and the third this year. A motorcyclist collided with an oncoming truck on Glen Charlie Road Wednesday and a 20-year-old Rochester man was killed in a motorcycle accident March 4, also on Cranberry Highway. The Sun Chronicle is a news partner of To subscribe to The Sun Chronicle, click here. Fatal crash shuts Route 3 in Tyngsborough, drivers asked to avoid the area Another 'Duck Dynasty' family member facing health issues Red Sox lineup: Slumping rookie sitting vs. Yankees, David Hamilton at 2B This is my classroom. ICE isn't welcome here. Waltham man found guilty of 2020 fatal stabbing on Halloween Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
‘She was just so sweet' — Franklin mourns 5-year-old, mom after fatal head-on crash
Family, friends and community members gathered at a crash site Thursday to mourn the loss of a 5-year-old Franklin girl and her mother who were killed in a head-on crash for which a Franklin man faces charges. Minaben Atulkumar Patel, 38, of Franklin, a passenger in the family car, had been hospitalized since the May 24 crash but died nine days later from her injuries, the Norfolk District Attorney's office said. Services were held Saturday, May 31 for Patel's daughter, Krisha Atulkumar Patel, 5, who was pronounced dead at a hospital the day of the crash. Patel's son, Kunj Atulkumar Patel, 14, who, like his mother, was hospitalized with serious injuries at UMass Memorial Medical Center, attended the June 5 vigil in Franklin. Standing from his wheelchair, he was the first to set a rose and candle down to honor his mother and sister. The father of the family, Atulkumar Patel — who was driving the car that was hit by a driver facing an operating under the influence charge — was treated and released at a hospital after the crash. He was not seen at the vigil. Flowers, teddy bears, photos and candles were placed around two white crosses that have been placed at the vigil site on Grove Street. There were also two large photos honoring the mother and daughter. Many close family members and friends paid their respects to the family, saying silent prayers as they held candlesticks. Some took off their shoes before standing in front of the memorial. The more than 40 people in attendance gathered in a circle around the memorial, saying and singing prayers. Susan D'Amelio of Franklin, an acquaintance of the family, recalled a time she ran into Minaben and Krisha Patel, and remembered thinking that Krisha looked like a princess. 'She (Krisha) was just so sweet,' D'Amelio said. As D'Amelio went to pay her respects at the memorial, a butterfly could be seen floating past her. She said that ever since the crash, she has been seeing butterflies on and off. The driver, James Blanchard, 21, also a Franklin resident, faces several charges, including motor vehicle homicide and operating under the influence. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment May 27 in Wrentham District Court and was being held on $250,000 bail. Blanchard was operating a pickup truck that crossed the center line and hit the family's car head-on, officials said. They said Blanchard had multiple containers of alcohol in his vehicle and his alcohol level was more than two times the legal driving limit. The Sun Chronicle is a news partner of To subscribe to The Sun Chronicle, click here. Mass. State Lottery winner: $1M ticket sold at Springfield gas station Country singer fulfills young fan's unusual request: 'Well this was a first' Boston Red Sox prospect, once a Top 100 who's still only 21, homers twice Legendary band's signature hit gets music video starring famous actress Juan Latorre III again seeks council seat in Springfield Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Popular indoor trampoline park to close Massachusetts location
Altitude Trampoline Park on Route 1 in North Attleborough will close its doors permanently Saturday, May 31. The sudden announcement was made by General Manager Victor Rodriguez Thursday via a Facebook post. The closure is said to be due to circumstances beyond the control of the employees at the park. 'This is something that has come to us pretty quickly,' Rodriguez said in the Facebook post. 'It is something not done by the amazing people that work here at this park.' Altitude, which opened in North Attleborough in 2017, has multiple locations around the country. There are several in Massachusetts, including Franklin, Marlborough, Avon, Holyoke and Billerica. Each location has multiple attractions for kids to participate in, including extreme dodgeball, foam pit, rock wall and trapeze. It is also a hot spot for birthday parties and events. Rodriguez is the general manager of the Holyoke location, as well. Based on the company website, it does not say that any other locations are being shut down. Coming with such short notice, Rodriguez said he apologies for any inconvenience the North Attleborough location closure might cause. 'I will do everything that I can to possibly help you in terms of providing any services that I can,' he said. Rodriguez said he will also be reaching out to those who scheduled parties after June 1 to issue refunds. Feeling as though he has been a part of a lot of the community members' lives, he said in the Facebook video that it unfortunately has to come to an end. 'I am very grateful to have been part of so many families' lives, for those who have worked with me, for those who have come here and jumped with us … It is a very very sad day,' Rodriguez said. As he got emotional during the end of the near 6-minute video, Rodriguez explained how the love and support from the community toward the trampoline park has helped him provide for his family. 'I just wanted to thank you all for everything that you have given us,' Rodriguez said. 'It means so much to me.' 'Our managers and staff have been great through seven years of blood, sweat and tears, trying to make this place a piece of this community,' Rodriguez said. 'We've loved every single minute of being here.' As the trampoline parks come to a close, a new one, Launch Trampoline Park, will be opening up right down the road on South Washington Street in the Target plaza. Launch is located where the previous 'Babies R Us' was. 'Launch is opening up right next to us, I hope they can provide a great experience for you all because all we want is for kids to be able to be kids,' Rodriguez said. 'And I don't care where they jump, I just want them to have fun.' An opening date for Launch has not been announced. The Sun Chronicle is a news partner of To subscribe to The Sun Chronicle, click here. DHS denies claims of Worcester mother's mistreatment Red Sox vs. Orioles postponed Friday; doubleheader with new start times Saturday Red Sox' Rafael Devers, focused on only hitting, is on pace for special season | Sean McAdam Boston Red Sox lineup: With Alex Bregman out, Nick Sogard at 3B for Game 2 PHOTOS: Sheryl Crow shows she can still 'have some fun' at rainy Boston Calling 2025 Read the original article on MassLive.
