
With the Karen Read retrial on a one-day break, we're getting you up to speed on everything that's happened and the biggest surprises so far in the high-profile case, plus, answering questions about everything you want to know about it, giving you an insider's view of what it's like inside the courtroom and more.
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Anchor
NBC10 Boston news worthy of you. A pause in the case. The Karen Reed murder trial takes a one day break. So tonight we're getting you up to speed.
J.C. Monahan
That morning, your client said, I hit him, I hit him, I hit him.
Anchor
We take a closer look at just some of the biggest surprises we've seen so far from this high profile case.
Prosecutor
That would put those steps within the house, correct?
Glenn Jones
It would.
Anchor
Plus, we're answering your questions. What you want to know about the retrial that's captivating the nation. Canton Confidential the Karen Reed murder trial starts now.
J.C. Monahan
Jurors in the retrial of Karen Reed had the day off. So tonight we want to take a look at where we stand in this trial and how it compares to the first. Good Evening, everyone. I'm J.C. monahan.
Glenn Jones
And I'm Glenn Jones. Our Melody Mendez has been there at Norfolk Superior Court in denim every day of the trial so far. So, Mel, what are your observations? What is different this time around?
Melody Mendez
Well, the biggest difference, I would say Glenn and JC so far is the man at the helm for the prosecution.
J.C. Monahan
Right.
Melody Mendez
Because from that from Hank Brennan, we're seeing a very different trial. Only one year later, special prosecutor Hank Brennan is taking a different approach to the case. This has changed the strategy and the presentation. The order of witnesses being called to the stand is among the most obvious of those changes. Where previous prosecutor ADA Adam Lally presented the case chronologically, Brennan making his case with the data first, then the people. He's also more animated in his courtroom approach. Here's a bit of opening statements from both attorneys.
Prosecutor
The only true and just verdict based on that is that the defendant, Karen Reid, is guilty of murder in the second degree. You'll hear her words through firefighter Nuttall. She said, I hit him. I hit him. I hit him.
Melody Mendez
Another major difference is the use of video clips, media interviews showing Karen Reed telling her side of the story. In the last trial, the only time the jurors ever heard Karen Reid's voice was in panicked dash cam videos, video and angry, worried voicemails. This time around, the jurors are seeing and hearing from her on screen. Brennan playing clips of those interviews in between witnesses.
Prosecutor
You're going to hear from her own lips in many of her statements. Her admissions to extraordinary intoxications, her admissions to driving the Alaskas, her admissions to being angry at dawn that night and as yesterday, her admissions that she.
Morgietta Derisier
His.
J.C. Monahan
Mother leans over the kitchen island and says to me, I think he looks like he got hit by a cop. Could I have clipped Him. Could I have tagged him in the knee and incapacitated him?
Melody Mendez
Perhaps the most notable difference for anyone who isn't in court this time around, the scene outside the courthouse, or lack thereof, Dr. Was not telling the truth.
Sue O'Connell
You learned that Michael was a crime.
Melody Mendez
This was day one of the trial in 2024. People clad in pink were camped out just outside the courthouse walls, watching the trial on their screens and what looked like a tail. This is what it looks like now. One year later, Same case, same place, but now an extended buffer zone around the courthouse has vastly limited the presence of supporters and onlookers. So speaking of that difference outside court, I was actually talking to an officer out there just yesterday about how quiet it's been. He was there the first time around for the first trial and told me he's actually been very surprised by the difference this time around. Guys, back to you, Melody.
J.C. Monahan
It is round two. So those of us who have been following the case since the start, there have been no big, like, reveals, except for the video that has made such an impact this time around. Something we didn't have the first time.
Melody Mendez
Yes, you're absolutely right. And it really feels that way, JC because in the first trial, there were a number of these bombshell moments, if you will, for people watching, like they did, what with the dog, or this person lied about this. But this time around, we know the players, we know the facts, and we know, for the most part, part, what to expect. And without that element of surprise, it feels different in and outside court. Guys.
Glenn Jones
Melody Mendez. Thank you. We're joined now by defense attorney Morgietta derisier and retired judge Jack Lew. It's good to have you both here. Melody was telling us about one of the new characters in this saga, which is Hank Brennan, but there's one who is returning from the last trial as well. Judge Beverly Kanoni. She is overseeing her courtroom. A lot like the first trial. Let's listen.
J.C. Monahan
Incorrect. I told him that. She said I hit him.
Judge Beverly Kanoni
He wrote in his report. She just read something to the effect of sustained.
J.C. Monahan
I'm not responsible for his report.
Judge Beverly Kanoni
No, you're not, but you have read his report.
Defense Attorney
So Again, no comments.
Judge Beverly Kanoni
Mr. Jackson, is this another example of an officer getting a report wrong?
Prosecutor
Objection.
Defense Attorney
Sustained.
Judge Beverly Kanoni
Is that report right, your honor?
Glenn Jones
Objection.
Defense Attorney
Sustained. Move on, Mr. Jackson.
Glenn Jones
So, Judge Lu, this happens a lot where there is an objection from either side, and then the judge makes a ruling. There's not necessarily a specific reason given. So put some context around this for us. Does the judge need a specific reason to Rule on an objection. And what's your general sense of her style and substance in the courtroom? Beverly Kanoni.
Judge Jack Lew
My general sense of Judge Kanoni is that she's near perfect. And the ruling on objections, this is not an exposition for the public education, even though it may amount to that in some ways, this is an attempt to give somebody a fair trial, the defendant, and to also give the prosecutor a fair trial. So as long as her evidentiary rulings are correct, it doesn't matter. We even have seen in this case, some of the lawyers in the first trial were over trying the case, constantly going to sidebar. She is perfectly entitled, and I'd even go to recommend just ruling on those objections and cut down on those sidebar conferences.
J.C. Monahan
You know, it's a reminder this is not law and order. You know how you get every little thing sort of spelled out for you as you go along from your perspective as a lawyer. Morgieta, how do you think Kenoni is handling the courtroom?
Morgietta Derisier
I agree with Jack Lew, Justice Jack Lew over here. The attorneys and the judge knows what the objections are right. And she is responding to them accordingly. If for some reason her ruling was wrong, they would have a right to appeal if it came down to that. But there is no need to go into the lengthy detail as to what each objection is because the case is already long enough as it is. So if there really is an issue that could be addressed before the trial starts, usually the attorneys and the judge have a conference that there really is a major issue, that there was an objection not properly addressed. And so I think that the ruling is going the right way, but it's.
J.C. Monahan
Not a legal class, is the point.
Morgietta Derisier
No.
Glenn Jones
Let's drill down on one of Judge Kanoni's major rulings just to get a feel for how you guys thought it shook out. Let's take a listen to her decision on whether to allow the defense to call the accident reconstruction experts from arca.
Defense Attorney
I understand there have been repeated violations of the reciprocal discovery orders and my orders repeated and deliberate. However, a defendant's right to a fair trial is paramount to everything. That's where we stand. And I expect counsel to comply with all rulings and rules of the court and all rules of professional conduct. And no more nonsense. Let's just try this case.
Glenn Jones
So, Jack, there, Judge Kanone articulated very clearly why she was ruling the way she did. So let's just put that to the side for a moment. She was also clearly exasperated and cited repeated reciprocal violations. Didn't she also have the opportunity to sanction These attorneys for the actions they took. Even though she's going to allow the accident reconstruction reconstructionists to testify, she handled it perfectly.
Judge Jack Lew
She cannot. She really, as a practical matter in this homicide case, cannot hurt the defendant's right to a fair trial. As to the ARCA experts, and on this issue, she's 100% right. These lawyers are wonderful. I have the greatest respect for them, but they've been a little teeny bit childish. And she's right about that. I won't outspare you the details, but she's right.
J.C. Monahan
I like this direct comment.
Glenn Jones
Don't spare us the details.
Judge Jack Lew
You know, you heard, most recently, you heard that. You know, for a long time, we heard this drumbeat. We can't have the report in time. We can't have the report in time. That didn't make sense to me. But I'm not all knowing. But then the expert comes into court and says, judge, if you really need it, we'll get it to you in time. And that was the truth from the very beginning. So they should have just said, they're wonderful lawyers. I admire you all, but they should have just said to the expert, you got to have this report really fast and reject the experts saying they can't do it fast enough. You have to be firm with them.
J.C. Monahan
Oh, come on. We had homework assignments and deadlines in school. We can do it in court, too.
Morgietta Derisier
Absolutely.
Judge Jack Lew
And you weren't being paid $600 an hour or whatever it is. I don't know what they're paid. I don't know what they're paid.
J.C. Monahan
We have been receiving a lot of questions, especially actually about Judge Kanoni. Here's one from our viewers. She says if the judge is in some way connected to the Alberts, that is where the home. We're talking 34 Fairview Way Brian Albert or anyone connected to the O'Keeffe family, wouldn't she have to recuse herself? Judge Canoli actually answered this question herself in court. Take a listen.
Defense Attorney
I reject the notion that untrue and unsubstantiated rumors spread on the Internet can force a judge to recuse herself from a case.
J.C. Monahan
Judge Liu, you ever been asked to recuse yourself?
Judge Jack Lew
I have, and I have recused myself.
J.C. Monahan
Really?
Judge Jack Lew
And she's absolutely. If you're asking me, she's absolutely right. Again, the basis for recusal in this case. It's utter nonsense. There are some tiny, tiny, tiny connections, but they mean nothing. This is the craziness coming off of the Internet and the people who call them journalists Click fee driven small time influencers on the Internet are attacking the judge and saying crazy things. I even once recused myself in a case in which Mr. Brennan was a defense lawyer.
Morgietta Derisier
And I think she used very specific language. If you listen to her response, it's unsubstantiated. So where is the credibility in having her recuse herself other than the click beat people out there who are trying to just make a name for themselves.
Glenn Jones
Trial watchers know about evidence collected during a federal investigation on the handling of John O'Keefe's death. But in court, the agency or agencies involved cannot be named and the jurors presumably have no idea what they're talking about. Take a look at how this was handled in court.
Judge Beverly Kanoni
You were contacted by another law enforcement agency that was not Massachusetts State Police and not Canton Police Department at one point in April of 2023. Do you remember that?
J.C. Monahan
Yes.
Judge Beverly Kanoni
I want to talk for a second about that series of interview or that interview. You were contacted at your residence by these members of this law enforcement agency, correct?
Melody Mendez
Yes.
Glenn Jones
So, Morgietta, did you expect this kind of vagueness around the federal investigation, especially now that it's over and we're into this second trial?
Morgietta Derisier
I didn't expect the vagueness. I thought they were just going to go right into it. That was the whole point of all these experts and having these voir dires because remember the voir dire, they got a lot of that information out and Judge Canoni actually said you can use this information in the trial and then they didn't use it. So it was a little unclear. You had all the good juice and didn't bring it out and maybe it'll come out, but I felt like that was too vague for that scenario.
J.C. Monahan
All right, two very experienced judge, lawyer, Any surprises so far in this case for you?
Judge Jack Lew
Well, I've been surprised that Mr. Brennan has made, in short, they have made tremendous use of the dry run of trial number one. And Mr. Brennan is ready to put on a show based on his study of trial number one. That's my ESP of what's going on in his head. And we're in for a big. We're in for an interesting ride.
Glenn Jones
Mojieta for you.
Morgietta Derisier
The big surprise, big surprise, which should be no surprise is the testimony from Jen McCabe. And the reason why it's surpr me is because Hank Brennan made us focus on the evidence and the details and the facts and the math. And 1231,38 is ingrained into our brains at this point. But Jen McCabe's testimony literally is obliterating that theory. And so it's really becoming surprising how they either have not curtailed it or how they're going to put all this together because that time is stuck in our head. And so the prosecution really is going to need to do a good job of cleaning that up after her testimony.
J.C. Monahan
Judge Liu, we need you back, so please come back again anytime. Don't go anywhere. We still need you around for just a little while longer, so to come.
Glenn Jones
Courtroom insider Sue O'Connell will join us. She's been seeing the trial unfold up close, maybe even a bit too close, but she's telling us about the environment inside a very cramped courtroom.
Anchor
Don't miss any of the Karen Reed murder trial. Get the full recap of what happened in court, expert analysis and what we could see next. This is coverage you won't see anywhere else. Canton confidential, weeknights at 7 on NBC 10 Boston.
Glenn Jones
All persons have any business before the Honorable Beverly Canoni, justice of the north for Superior Court and for the county of Norfolk. Joanne, give your attendance and you shall be heard.
Morgietta Derisier
Go on.
Glenn Jones
Say the Commonwealth of Massachusetts court is now open.
Judge Jack Lew
You may be seated.
Glenn Jones
That's what court attendees hear every morning at trial. Eyes around the Commonwealth and indeed around the world are tuned in. But there's also far more people than normal inside a very crowded courtroom. Whenever we go inside the courtroom, we go to our courtroom insider, Sue O'Connell. Sue, you've been in there for a trial and a bit now. You've also been posting on X. Give us an idea of what it's like in there from sort of a physical space point of view. On tv, it looks like a crowded Green line car.
Sue O'Connell
Did your parents ever put you in the trunk of a car to sneak into a drive in? That's what it's like. And for Jen McCabe's testimony, there were actually visitors who came to watch as well as the people who were supposed to be there. So there were some retired lawyers who came in and they were able to walk in and around. There was some guests who were seated behind me who were there as guests of the court.
Glenn Jones
How many people are we talking about?
Sue O'Connell
About 60 at my count. So it's really, really crowded. And on top of that, the chairs that the lawyers are sitting in, as they should be, are really big. So when someone has to get from the side of the table where the jury is to go through there to get up to the sidebar, they're tripping and they're falling over each other. I Mean, it is really very claustrophobic, and it's tight. And of course, we can't open the windows too often because of the sirens, because it's the busiest street in America. And if we have the AC on, then we can't hear the witnesses and the jurors can't hear the witnesses. So we are forever going back and forth between this really crowded, stuffy room where people are falling over each other, opening and closing windows and turning the AC on.
Glenn Jones
That explains the fan.
J.C. Monahan
It's an old state. It's an old courthouse. We all love the fan. Don't change that. But there is. Give us briefly the history of why we're in this small courtroom. We have larger ones here in Massachusetts.
Sue O'Connell
Right about steps away on that floor, we have a large courtroom. But at the last trial, attorney Alan Jackson looked and saw for the first time, you've been hearing cases in there for over 100 years, that four of the jury seats in that. In that courtroom cannot see the witness's face. And he said, this violates Karen's right to a free trial. Judge Canoni said, we're not even going to discuss it. We'll just move into the other room. I've made a prediction that you're never going to hear a defense trial in that room that's going to have a full jury ever again because it will be dismissed on appeal.
Glenn Jones
So, Morgana, when you're in a courtroom that isn't suited for the situation, does it actually change the way you might try the case?
Morgietta Derisier
You definitely have to prepare differently. Right? Because again, when you're in front of the jury, perception literally is everything. So you want to come off polished. You want to know, like, you know, the courtroom. You're pointing to exhibits, you're pulling exhibits out. You're talking to witnesses. So. So, honestly, I have gone to courtrooms a day before or a week before my trial just so I know what the courtroom looks like, so I know where to stand, where to walk. How straight am I standing? It all really does matter.
Sue O'Connell
The good news is everyone is tripping. Well, all of them are.
J.C. Monahan
Let's show you a little bit about what this is. Because we're talking about when they get up for sidebars, which has been happening a lot.
Defense Attorney
Could I see Consulate's sidebar for just a minute, please?
Melody Mendez
Okay.
J.C. Monahan
May we approach sidebar, please? Sidebar. So when everyone gets up, sue, to your point. They're. They're trying to. It's like, excuse me, pardon me, excuse me. Can we get there? Morgietta. It Makes kind of a scene when they go to sidebar. And now this time, Karen Reed is joining her lawyers. What is the impact, if any, on a jury to see the defendant get up and down, up and down?
Morgietta Derisier
It shows she's invested. Right. You want this defendant to be a part of the case just as much as the prosecution is saying that she's not. Right. Because everyone's looking at her, the world is looking at her, and it shows that she's not going to just sit down and let them say anything about her. It is very rare that defendants do go up with their attorneys to sidebar. I've only ever had it happen once, but I think it's refreshing to show that she is actively participating in her own defense, which you don't really see a lot of times.
J.C. Monahan
By the way, I don't get credit for asking that question. That question came from Susan in Braintree. So thank you for asking it so we could find out because we don't know what kind of impact that could have.
Morgietta Derisier
Yeah. And I think the jurors are going to appreciate that she's not just sitting there and letting her attorneys talk and talk amongst themselves. She is actively participating in the case. I think sometimes she talks about researching in the case as well. And she said that she's on top of it. She comments after court. I think all of that really does matter to the jury, to be honest.
Glenn Jones
All right, let's look ahead to tomorrow. Jennifer McCabe will be back on the stand for a third day. She's, of course, one of the people inside 34 Fairview Road on the night all of this had happened and the first to testify in the retrial. So, sue, do you have a hunch on where we may go after Jennifer McCabe finishes cross and probably is redirect examination from Hank Brennan.
Sue O'Connell
So Hank Brennan told us he's going to use data to tell the story. So the way that he set up Jen McCabe was he had Cellebrite, he had Whiffin testify first to give us a context to understand what Alan Jackson was going to ask Jen McCabe. So I think we may hear it from the dog expert next, and then we will hear from someone who will testify about Chloe. But I think what we're going to see, whether or not it's a dog expert or not, we're going to hear a scientist or an expert who has data or evidence that is scientifically based and then a person. And I don't mean that expert witnesses are people, but a real person who was either in the building or in the house or was at a scene in some way so that the jury has some basis of understanding of science, so that when Alan Jackson or Yannetti or Alessi get up there to attack the witness's credibility or story the jury, they're already going to have some scientific evidence to underpin that.
J.C. Monahan
Morgietta, last word.
Morgietta Derisier
I agree. I think that this is the timeline is a little bit more refreshing. It's a little bit more clear, which could be a blessing or a curse, right? Because if you have the expert come on and then the witness say something different, like we're doing in the Jen McCabe situation, it could hurt the case. But so far, so good.
J.C. Monahan
Sue Morgieta, as always, thank you so much. And thank you to all of you again for joining us. If you have any questions about this case, keep sending them our way. The email is on your screen. Canton.confidentialcuni.com will answer as many questions as we can.
Glenn Jones
And remember to join us every weeknight at 7. We'll have a full recap of the latest developments from court as well as legal analysis. Plus, episodes will stream on Peacock. You're watching Canton Confidential, the Karen Reed murder trial.
Anchor
What's up, Boston? Do you happen to watch NBC 10.
Glenn Jones
Boston Morning News at 6? Well, you should because we have local.
Sue O'Connell
News worthy of you. And Tevin has your first alert forecast.
Anchor
He is the best. We hope you join us and make.
Glenn Jones
Us part of your routine.
Anchor
See you at 6 in the morning. To watch full episodes of Canton Confidential, the Karen Reed Murder trial, tune in to NBC 10 Boston weeknights at 7 through the duration of the trial. You can also catch past episodes on the NBC 10 Boston YouTube page. Full episodes are posted one day after airing. NBC 10 Boston news worthy of.
The Karen Reed Murder Trial: Canton Confidential – Episode Summary
Release Date: May 2, 2025
NBC10 Boston's podcast episode titled "Trial Catchup: What's New, Retrial Surprises, Your Questions Answered" delves deep into the ongoing Karen Reed murder trial, providing listeners with an exhaustive update on recent developments, unexpected twists, and addressing audience queries. Hosted by J.C. Monahan and Glenn Jones, the episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the trial's progress, the strategic shifts in prosecution, courtroom dynamics, and insights from legal experts and courtroom insiders.
The episode opens with J.C. Monahan announcing a day's pause in the Karen Reed murder trial, setting the stage for a detailed catch-up. Monahan states, “Jurors in the retrial of Karen Reed had the day off. So tonight we want to take a look at where we stand in this trial and how it compares to the first” (00:38).
Melody Mendez, a correspondent present at Norfolk Superior Court, highlights significant changes in the prosecution's strategy under special prosecutor Hank Brennan. Unlike ADA Adam Lally, who presented the case chronologically, Brennan emphasizes data-driven evidence first, followed by personal testimonies. Mendez notes, “From that from Hank Brennan, we're seeing a very different trial. Only one year later, special prosecutor Hank Brennan is taking a different approach to the case” (01:03).
A pivotal shift in the retrial is the incorporation of video clips and media interviews featuring Karen Reed. Previously, jurors only heard Reed’s voice through distressed dash cam footage and voicemails. In the retrial, jurors are exposed to Reed’s own statements on screen, offering a more direct insight into her perspective. The prosecutor asserts, “You’re going to hear from her own lips in many of her statements” (02:11).
Judge Beverly Kanoni continues to oversee the courtroom proceedings with a strict adherence to legal protocols. A notable exchange occurs when objections are frequently raised without detailed explanations. Glenn Jones inquires about the necessity of specific reasons for rulings, to which retired judge Jack Lew responds, “As long as her evidentiary rulings are correct, it doesn’t matter” (05:23).
Judge Kanoni’s handling of objections is praised for maintaining fairness. Defense attorney Morgietta Derisier concurs, stating, “I think that the ruling is going the right way” (06:14).
Amidst rumors questioning Judge Kanoni’s impartiality, she proactively addressed allegations of bias related to connections with the Alberts or the O'Keefe family. She categorically dismissed these unsubstantiated claims, asserting, “I reject the notion that untrue and unsubstantiated rumors spread on the Internet can force a judge to recuse herself from a case” (09:57). Judge Jack Lew supports her stance, emphasizing the lack of credible connections necessitating recusal.
Courtroom insider Sue O'Connell provides a vivid description of the courtroom environment, likening it to “a crowded Green Line car” (14:44). The retrial's courtroom is notably cramped, accommodating approximately 60 individuals, including lawyers, jurors, and guests. The physical constraints have led to a claustrophobic atmosphere, with distractions such as tripping over large attorney chairs and constant adjustments to accommodate HVAC systems without disrupting proceedings.
The tight space affects the flow of the trial, especially during sidebars. Defense attorney Morgietta Derisier acknowledges the challenges, noting, “You definitely have to prepare differently” (16:45). The physical limitations necessitate meticulous preparation to maintain a polished and effective courtroom presence.
A standout moment in the retrial is the testimony of Jen McCabe, whose account significantly undermines the prosecution’s data-centric narrative. Morgietta Derisier remarks, “Jen McCabe’s testimony literally is obliterating that theory” (12:14), highlighting the profound impact her statements have on the case's trajectory.
The trial also touches upon evidence collected during a federal investigation into the handling of Officer John O'Keefe’s death. However, specifics remain vague, leaving jurors in uncertainty. Melody Mendez points out, “They’re trying to… it was a little unclear” (11:43), reflecting the defense's frustration with the lack of detailed disclosure.
Looking ahead, Sue O'Connell anticipates that the prosecution will continue to present scientifically backed evidence alongside eyewitness accounts to fortify their case. “He’s going to use data to tell the story” (18:29) suggests a continuation of Hank Brennan’s methodical approach. Morgietta Derisier adds, “I think that this timeline is a little bit more refreshing” (20:08), indicating potential shifts in how evidence might interplay with witness testimonies.
Throughout the episode, the hosts address listener questions, such as concerns about the judge’s impartiality and the courtroom's physical setup. This interactive segment ensures that the audience remains informed and engaged with the trial's nuances.
J.C. Monahan: “Jurors in the retrial of Karen Reed had the day off. So tonight we want to take a look at where we stand in this trial and how it compares to the first.” (00:38)
Prosecutor: “The only true and just verdict based on that is that the defendant, Karen Reid, is guilty of murder in the second degree.” (01:35)
Judge Beverly Kanoni: “I reject the notion that untrue and unsubstantiated rumors spread on the Internet can force a judge to recuse herself from a case.” (09:57)
Judge Jack Lew: “These lawyers are wonderful. I have the greatest respect for them, but they’ve been a little teeny bit childish.” (08:04)
Morgietta Derisier: “Jen McCabe’s testimony literally is obliterating that theory.” (12:14)
This episode of Canton Confidential offers a thorough exploration of the Karen Reed murder retrial, highlighting strategic shifts in prosecution, courtroom dynamics under Judge Kanoni, the challenging physical environment of the courtroom, and the significant impact of key testimonies like that of Jen McCabe. By weaving in expert opinions, courtroom insider reports, and addressing listener questions, the podcast ensures a well-rounded and engaging update for those following this high-profile case.
For those interested in staying updated, the episode encourages listeners to tune in weekly on NBC10 Boston and engage with the platform through their YouTube page, where past episodes are accessible one day after airing.
Timestamps: