Controversial Massachusetts writer, Aidan Kearney, also known as "Turtleboy," is facing multiple criminal charges, including witness intimidation, for his vocal defense of Karen Read, a woman on trial for allegedly killing her boyfriend, John O'Keefe, a Boston Police officer. Prosecutors have accused Kearney of sending harassing, threatening, and intimidating messages to witnesses and investigators involved in the case. Kearney, who runs a blog where he covers local news, including the Read case, has also been actively protesting in support of Read. However, prosecutors argue that his activism has crossed a line.

During Kearney's court appearance, his lawyer vehemently denied the accusations, stating that his client's opinions are protected by the First Amendment. Prosecutors detailed the allegations against Kearney, which include showing up at sporting events of witnesses' children, harassing and photographing witnesses at their homes and workplaces, and instructing his blog followers to do the same. The prosecutor also read some of Kearney's alleged threatening posts from his blog, as well as profanity-laced segments from YouTube videos.

Despite the charges, Kearney's lawyer argued that his client is a “newsperson” with the right to cover a story. He claimed that the statements made by Kearney were merely opinions and not threats. Kearney was released on personal recognizance but was prohibited from having any contact with individuals connected to Read's murder case, including Massachusetts State Police investigators.

After leaving the courthouse, Kearney took to social media, posting a picture on X, formerly Twitter, with his arms raised while wearing a "Free Karen Read" hoodie. The following morning, he accused law enforcement of intimidation in a tweet, claiming that they had shown up at his house, searched it, confiscated his computer and phones, and handcuffed him in front of his children as they were getting on the school bus. Kearney maintained his innocence, stating that he is not guilty of intimidation.

The murder case against Karen Read has garnered national attention due to the defense's claims of a wide-ranging cover-up involving law enforcement working together to frame Read for O'Keefe's death. Read has been charged with second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while impaired, and leaving the scene of an accident. However, her defense team argues that O'Keefe was actually beaten in the basement of a home owned by Boston Police officer Brian Albert, where he was dropped off before the incident. They also claim that a German shepherd attacked O'Keefe, causing the injuries to his right arm.

Kearney, in an interview with Fox News Digital, expressed his belief that the investigation into O'Keefe's murder is not focused on finding the true culprit but instead on charging him with witness intimidation for asking questions. He criticized the police force for using its resources against journalists and accused them of protecting cop killers.

The case has drawn significant attention due to the defense's allegations of a cover-up and the 22 months that have passed without going to trial. Norfolk Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally has denied the accusations, stating that evidence continues to be tested at a state crime lab. He assured that once the testing is completed, the evidence will be made available to the defense. Read's lawyer, David Yannetti, is confident in her innocence, stating that the evidence will prove it and that no jury would convict her for a crime she did not commit.

Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey has also addressed the allegations of a cover-up, stating in a video message that conspiracy theories and false narratives are not evidence. He stressed the importance of trying cases in court rather than on the internet, as the internet lacks rules of evidence and punishment for perjury.

The judge in the case has ordered DNA testing to be completed by November 3 and set a deadline for the government to provide information about police searches of the Canton home. The defense is also seeking video footage from a Nest camera in the home on the night of January 29, 2022. However, the homeowner claims that the camera was not set up or recording.

Karen Read is scheduled to appear in court again on December 8.