Norfolk DA appoints new attorney to lead prosecution’s retrial of Karen Read

On Wednesday, Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey announced a new attorney to lead the Commonwealth’s retrial of Karen Read after the first trial ended with a hung jury.

Special Assistant District Attorney Hank Brennan will lead the prosecution’s team, according to a Norfolk DA press release.

“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. I look forward to Attorney Brennan working in concert with the trial team of Assistant District Attorneys Adam Lally, Laura McLaughlin, and Caleb Schillinger,” said District Attorney Morrissey.

Everything you need to know about the Karen Read case

Brennan said he will assume full responsibility for prosecuting the case and will be meticulous and ethical in his work. He was one of Whitey Bulger’s defense attorneys during his 2013 mob trial.

“I have two core obligations,” Brennan said of 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.”

In a statement, Read’s attorney Alan Jackson said:

“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. 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.”

Her second trial is scheduled for January.

Read is charged in the death of her Boston Police Officer boyfriend John O’Keefe in Canton. The case has garnered national attention over allegations made by Read that she’s been framed by law enforcement in an elaborate coverup involving first responders and relatives of the family that O’Keefe’s body was found on the front lawn of.

The prosecution maintains the evidence proves Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV while intoxicated.

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