Witnesses in Karen Read Case File Defamation Lawsuit

Four individuals who testified against Read accuse her and blogger 'Turtleboy' of false accusations and harassment.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:49pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuffs lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the gritty, investigative nature of the defamation lawsuit.The defamation lawsuit against Karen Read and blogger 'Turtleboy' exposes the lingering tensions and accusations surrounding the high-profile murder case.Boston Today

Four witnesses who testified in the Karen Read murder case have filed a defamation lawsuit against Read and blogger Aidan Kearney, known as 'Turtleboy'. The plaintiffs allege they were falsely accused of murdering Boston police officer John O'Keefe in 2022 and covering it up, and that they faced repeated harassment and abuse from the defendants and their followers.

Why it matters

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing fallout from the high-profile Karen Read case, where tensions and accusations continue even after Read's acquittal. It also raises concerns about the potential misuse of social media and online platforms to spread misinformation and harass individuals involved in criminal cases.

The details

The lawsuit, filed in Barnstable Superior Court, alleges that Read secretly partnered with Kearney to shift blame away from herself after her arrest for O'Keefe's murder. The plaintiffs - Jennifer McCabe, Brian Albert, Colin Albert, and Brian Higgins - claim the defendants falsely accused them of beating O'Keefe inside a Canton home, leaving him outside to die, and framing Read for the crime. The lawsuit describes repeated instances of harassment, including being labeled 'murderers' and 'cop killers', confrontations at homes and workplaces, and threats and online abuse from the defendants' followers.

  • The lawsuit was filed on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • Read was acquitted of all charges related to O'Keefe's death last year.

The players

Karen Read

The defendant in the lawsuit, who was previously charged and acquitted in the murder of Boston police officer John O'Keefe.

Aidan Kearney

Also known as the blogger 'Turtleboy', the defendant in the lawsuit who is accused of partnering with Read to shift blame for O'Keefe's murder.

Jennifer McCabe, Brian Albert, Colin Albert, Brian Higgins

The plaintiffs in the defamation lawsuit, who were witnesses in the Karen Read case and are accusing Read and Kearney of false accusations and harassment.

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What’s next

The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and unspecified damages. The O'Keefe family has also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Karen Read.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and accusations surrounding the Karen Read murder trial, even after her acquittal. It raises concerns about the potential misuse of social media and online platforms to spread misinformation and harass individuals involved in criminal cases.