Related Cases
The O'Keefe Family Wrongful Death Lawsuit
On August 26, 2024, the family of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe filed a civil lawsuit in Plymouth County Superior Court against Karen Read and two Canton establishments, C.F. McCarthy's and the Waterfall Bar & Grill, following O'Keefe's death on January 29, 2022.
The lawsuit was brought by O'Keefe's brother, Paul O'Keefe, as representative of his estate, along with family members seeking damages for the emotional harm they say they suffered.
Why Was the Lawsuit Filed?
The O'Keefe family alleges that Karen Read was responsible for John's death after striking him with her SUV outside a home in Canton, Massachusetts, while driving under the influence of alcohol.
The complaint also alleges that C.F. McCarthy's and the Waterfall Bar & Grill negligently continued serving alcohol to Read despite signs of intoxication. The family argues that the establishments' actions contributed to the circumstances that led to O'Keefe's death.
What Is the Family Seeking?
The lawsuit includes claims for wrongful death and emotional distress.
The family is seeking financial compensation for the loss of John O'Keefe, including the loss of his companionship, support, and guidance, as well as damages related to the emotional suffering experienced by family members.
The complaint also includes a separate emotional distress claim involving O'Keefe's niece, Kayley Furbush, who was a minor under his guardianship. The family alleges that Read's actions and statements on the morning of O'Keefe's death caused Kayley additional emotional harm.
What Does This Lawsuit Mean?
This is a civil lawsuit, separate from the criminal case against Karen Read. Its purpose is to determine whether Read and the two establishments can be held legally responsible for O'Keefe's death and the resulting harm to his family.
Unlike a criminal prosecution, which generally requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt, civil liability typically must be established by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning that a claim is more likely true than not.
The allegations in the complaint are the O'Keefe family's claims, not findings of fact by the court. The lawsuit seeks a jury determination of civil responsibility and damages.
Witnesses File Amended Civil Complaint Against Karen Read and Aidan Kearney
Filed: June 5, 2026
Court: Plymouth County Superior Court, Massachusetts
Case No.: 2683CV00541
Plaintiffs: Jennifer McCabe, Brian Albert, Colin Albert, and Brian Higgins
Defendants: Karen Read and Aidan Kearney (also known as Turtleboy)
What Is This Lawsuit About?
Four witnesses connected to the Karen Read criminal case have filed an amended civil complaint accusing Read and blogger Aidan Kearney of coordinating a years-long campaign of defamation, harassment, and intimidation.
The plaintiffs allege that Read and Kearney worked together to spread false accusations that the witnesses were responsible for John O'Keefe's death and participated in a cover-up to frame Read.
According to the complaint, Read allegedly supplied Kearney with information, communicated with him directly and through intermediaries, and encouraged the publication of accusations against the witnesses. The plaintiffs also claim that Kearney used his online platforms to repeatedly accuse them of murder while attracting viewers, donations, and advertising revenue.
The complaint cites social media posts, videos, interviews, alleged private communications, and public statements as support for these allegations.
What Are the Witnesses Claiming?
The amended complaint contains 11 legal claims, including:
• Defamation against Read and Kearney
• Aiding and abetting defamation against Read
• Intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress
• Aiding and abetting emotional distress claims against Read
• Civil conspiracy against both defendants
• Alleged violations of Massachusetts consumer protection law (Chapter 93A) against Kearney
The plaintiffs say the alleged conduct damaged their reputations, disrupted their personal and professional lives, and subjected them and their families to harassment and threats.
What Are They Asking the Court to Do?
The plaintiffs are seeking financial compensation for their alleged injuries, punitive damages, attorney's fees and costs where legally available, and additional relief the court considers appropriate. They have requested a jury trial.
Why Does This Filing Matter?
The amended complaint expands on the plaintiffs' allegations by describing alleged coordination between Read, Kearney, and individuals connected to Read's criminal defense team.
It also addresses conduct allegedly continuing after Read's second criminal trial concluded in June 2025, including statements and online activity in 2026.
Commonwealth v. Aidan T. Kearney
Aidan T. Kearney, known publicly as “Turtleboy,” is a Massachusetts blogger who became a prominent advocate for Karen Read during the criminal proceedings involving the death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. His reporting, online commentary, and public confrontations with people connected to the case became the subject of separate criminal proceedings brought by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Charges
In October 2023, Kearney was arrested and charged in connection with allegations of witness intimidation. A Norfolk County grand jury subsequently returned a 16-count indictment consisting of eight counts of witness intimidation, three counts of conspiracy to intimidate witnesses, and five counts of unlawful picketing to influence a witness.
The allegations included confrontations involving individuals connected to the Read case, online content about witnesses, and a caravan-style rally that passed the homes of people associated with the proceedings. Prosecutors alleged that certain conduct was intended to intimidate witnesses or interfere with the judicial process. Kearney has denied wrongdoing and maintained that his reporting and advocacy were protected by the First Amendment.
Court Rulings and Dismissed Charges
In May 2025, a Norfolk Superior Court judge dismissed six of the 16 counts in the original indictment, finding insufficient evidence to support those charges. The dismissed counts included allegations involving former Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor and Sergeant Yuri Bukhenik, as well as conspiracy allegations connected to the acquisition of motor vehicle information.
The judge allowed the remaining counts to proceed and rejected Kearney’s broader argument that the First Amendment required dismissal of the indictment. The rulings addressed the sufficiency of the allegations and the legal arguments presented at that stage; they did not establish Kearney’s guilt on the remaining charges.
Additional Proceedings
Kearney also faces a separate 2025 indictment containing two witness-intimidation counts arising from alleged remarks directed toward a security camera at D&E Pizza & Subs in Canton, an establishment owned by a witness connected to the Read case.
In October 2025, prosecutors dropped a separate case that included witness-intimidation and wiretapping charges arising from an unrelated dispute involving Kearney’s former girlfriend. That case is distinct from the Read-related proceedings described above.
Current Status
As of October 2026, published reports indicate that ten counts from the original 2023 indictment and two counts from the separate 2025 indictment remain pending. The two matters are scheduled to be tried together in December 2026.