Judge Beverly J. Cannone issued an order establishing a 200-foot “buffer zone” around the courthouse in order to protect outside influences on the jurors in the upcoming Karen Read murder trial following a hearing on Thursday.
Cannone had heard from both sides Thursday morning on the matter, with the prosecution asking for a 500-foot buffer zone in order to prevent interactions between jurors and protestors on either side in the Karen Read murder trial.
Responding for the defense, attorney Tanis M. Yannetti claimed that they had no official opinion on the matter and assured the judge, despite evidence otherwise, that they had never attempted to influence protestors on behalf of Karen Read.
A surreal moment played out as Aidan “Turtleboy” Kearney, who is currently facing trial for witness intimidation allegedly on behalf of Karen Read, smiled, and laughed directly at the camera as Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally addressed the court.
Kearney was seated in a position where he was visible over Lally’s shoulder as Lally addressed the Court, apparently taking full advantage of his camera time to make exaggerated reactions to the camera as Lally spoke.
In a blow to supporters of Kearney, an outside attempt to intervene in the criminal case by an outside attorney was denied by Judge Cannone as Massachusetts does not allow for attorneys to intervene in criminal cases. The attempt reportedly was funded through a crowdfunding campaign that raised $6,000 from Kearney’s supporters.
Cannone’s afternoon ruling reduced the “buffer zone” from 500 feet to 200 feet and has banned all those in attendance of Read’s up-coming trial from wearing pins and clothing with slogans of support for either side in the case and from carrying signs of support within the Courthouse.
Members of the police who are set to testify or are members of the audience are also banned from wearing their department issued uniforms or any police emblems in the Courthouse.
In a related note, The Boston Globe filed a motion urging the Court to end the impoundment of the following court records:
Dkt. 199-201 – Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss and supporting documents;
Dkt. 227 – Motion to Impound Supplemental Memorandum in Support of Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss;
Dkt. 228 – Supplemental Memorandum in Support of Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss;
Dkt. 231 – Motion to Impound Supplemental Memorandum in Opposition to Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss; and
Dkt. 232 – Supplemental Memorandum in Opposition to Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss.
Read’s trial is set to begin on April 16, 2024.
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