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DEDHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — An experienced, high profile defense attorney will lead the prosecution at the retrial of Karen Read next year.
Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey announced Wednesday the appointment of Hank Brennan as Special Assistant District Attorney for the Commonwealth in the upcoming trial.
Brennan is best known for representing Boston mobster James "Whitey" Bulger in his federal murder trial in 2013.
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"Attorney Brennan is a highly respected and skilled former prosecutor and long-time defense attorney with over 25 years of experience in state and federal courts and has expertise handling complex law enforcement matters," Morrissey said in a statement. "I look forward to Attorney Brennan working in concert with the trial team of Assistant District Attorneys Adam Lally, Laura McLaughlin, and Caleb Schillinger."
"I assume full responsibility and all obligations for prosecuting this case and will do so meticulously, ethically, and zealously, without compromise," Brennan stated.
Read is accused of hitting and killing her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, with her SUV after a night out in Canton in Jan. 2022. Read's legal team claims she is the victim of a cover-up to protect a powerful Canton family.
Her first trial ended on July 1, 2024 when Judge Beverly Cannone declared a mistrial because of a hung jury.
The second trial is set to begin on Jan. 27, 2025.
"I have two core obligations," Brennan further said on his appointment. "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."
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