Multiple people were shot at an intersection in Holyoke, Massachusetts, on October 4, according to the Holyoke Police Department. In a separate incident, a well-known Massachusetts blogger, Aidan Kearney, also known as “Turtleboy,” faces criminal charges, including witness intimidation, for his defense of a woman on trial for allegedly killing her boyfriend. Kearney, who runs a blog and covers local news, has been accused of sending harassing and threatening messages to witnesses and investigators in the case. He has pleaded not guilty, claiming that his opinions are protected by the First Amendment.
During Kearney’s court appearance, prosecutors detailed allegations against him, including showing up at sporting events of witnesses’ children, harassing witnesses at their homes and jobs, and instructing his blog followers to do the same. The prosecution also presented Kearney’s blog posts and messages that allegedly contained threats to witnesses and their friends. Kearney’s lawyer argued that his client is a newsperson with the right to cover the story and that his statements are protected opinions.
Kearney was released on personal recognizance with the condition that he has no contact with people connected to the murder case. After leaving the courthouse, he posted a picture on social media, wearing a “Free Karen Read” hoodie. Kearney accused law enforcement of intimidation in a tweet, claiming that they had raided his house and confiscated his belongings.
The murder case against Karen Read, the woman Kearney has been defending, involves the alleged killing of her boyfriend, John O’Keefe. Read has been charged with second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter, and leaving the scene of an accident. Her defense team argues that O’Keefe was beaten in the basement of a home before being run over, and they claim there has been a wide-ranging cover-up involving law enforcement framing Read. The case has drawn national attention, and Read’s lawyers maintain her innocence.
Prosecutors have denied the allegations of a cover-up and stated that evidence is still being tested at a state crime lab. The judge has ordered DNA testing and requested information on police searches of the home where the incident occurred. The defense is also seeking video footage from a Nest camera, but the homeowner claims it was not set up or recording.
Karen Read is scheduled to appear in court on December 8. The case continues to generate controversy and speculation, with conspiracy theories circulating online. Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey has urged the public to rely on evidence presented in court and cautioned against false narratives and conspiracy theories.
In conclusion, the criminal case against Aidan Kearney, also known as “Turtleboy,” has sparked controversy as he faces charges of witness intimidation in a murder case. The case involves Karen Read, who is accused of killing her boyfriend, John O’Keefe. The defense claims there has been a cover-up and allegations of law enforcement framing Read. The case continues to unfold, with DNA testing and further investigation underway.
