Latest news with #murdertrial
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Karen Read sells home and taps retirement fund to pay mounting legal bills in murder retrial
As murder defendant Karen Read rounds the corner on the halfway point of her second trial, the crippling weight of unpaid legal bills could be alleviated by an unlikely source: online crowdfunding. Months before her retrial was set to begin, Read told Vanity Fair she owes her defense team over $5 million in legal fees – a total that is likely growing with the addition of two new attorneys. "Other than feeling wrongfully persecuted and prosecuted, I feel incredibly violated," Read said in the Vanity Fair interview, adding, "If I can get the entire truth of this case out in the public forum, that, to me, is priceless." Karen Read Judge Grants Defense Video Access, Allows Dog Bite Experts – With Limits Read pleaded not guilty and is facing the possibility of life in prison for the alleged murder of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe. She is accused of ramming O'Keefe with her vehicle during a drunken argument before leaving him to freeze to death in the front yard of a fellow police officer's home in the early morning hours of Jan. 29, 2022. Read's defense team did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Read On The Fox News App Last year, Norfolk County Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone declared a mistrial after the jury was unable to reach a verdict, setting the stage for a costly redo for Read. Karen Read Appeals Double Jeopardy Ruling To Us Supreme Court Since her first trial, Read's defense team has introduced two new players, with attorneys Robert Alessi and Victoria George joining Alan Jackson, David Yannetti and Elizabeth Little. To help subsidize her expenses, Read reportedly sold her Mansfield home for $810,000 in November 2024 and is living off of her 401(k) retirement fund after losing her jobs as a Bentley University finance professor and Fidelity Investments equities analyst following her arrest. In addition to turning to her equity, numerous crowdfunding sites have been kick-started to help Read chip away at her legal fees – a common tactic used in high-profile court cases where bills could rise into the seven figures. Medical Examiner Details Skull Fractures In Karen Read Murder Trial Testimony "There are many examples of high-profile defendants paying out-of-pocket for their defense," criminal defense attorney Andrew Stoltmann told Fox News Digital. "O.J. Simpson is the classic example. But it is surprising when high-profile, non-wealthy individuals pay out-of-pocket for their entire defense." A Justice for Karen Read legal defense fund, organized by Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, is closing in on $1 million raised, with donations continuing to pour in as Read's second trial wraps up its fourth week. "Keep fighting," one anonymous donor wrote. "I believe in Karen's innocence and grateful she has an amazing team defending her." Karen Read Trial: Crime Lab Expert Testifies Blood Evidence Was Never Tested Werksman Jackson & Quinn did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Additionally, the Free Karen Read Movement has launched a website selling sweatshirts, T-shirts and other apparel in support of Read, while advocating for her innocence. Earlier this month, supporters hosted a ticketed dinner party in a nearby town to raise money for Read. Seats were priced at $100 and included a live DJ, raffle and cash bar. GET REAL-TIME UPDATES DIRECTLY ON THE True Crime Hub The event organizers did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. While turning to public methods as a way to bankroll legal funds increases, experts caution the charity could come with strings attached. "A third-party funding source is both a blessing and a curse," Stoltmann said. "They can provide necessary funds to put on a top-flight defense, but they also tend to have a disproportionate amount of sway with the attorneys since the bills are being paid by the third party. It's an ethical quagmire for the attorneys on cases." Karen Read's Defense Opens Door For Special Prosecutor To Bring In New Evidence: Court Docs Read's defense team did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on whether she plans to accept the funds. In light of the hefty price tag for legal representation, it is not uncommon for attorneys to take on high-profile cases for a reduced rate in exchange for publicity. SIGN UP TO GET True Crime Newsletter "Many criminal defense lawyers will take a case pro bono or at a severely discounted rate if it's a high-profile case and there's a great deal of news and television coverage," Stoltmann told Fox News Digital. "This often leads to a tsunami of new clients coming in the door for years after the trial takes place. This might be what's happening in Karen Read's case." While Read's fate remains in the hands of the jury, her chance to maintain her freedom – and clear her name – continues to come at an incredibly high cost. "I'm not backing down now," Read told Vanity Fair. "As scary as a potential conviction is, I will go to jail for something I didn't do before I plea out. I will never give them that win."Original article source: Karen Read sells home and taps retirement fund to pay mounting legal bills in murder retrial
Fox News
8 hours ago
- Business
- Fox News
Karen Read sells home and taps retirement fund to pay mounting legal bills in murder retrial
As murder defendant Karen Read rounds the corner on the halfway point of her second trial, the crippling weight of unpaid legal bills could be alleviated by an unlikely source: online crowdfunding. Months before her retrial was set to begin, Read told Vanity Fair she owes her defense team over $5 million in legal fees – a total that is likely growing with the addition of two new attorneys. "Other than feeling wrongfully persecuted and prosecuted, I feel incredibly violated," Read said in the Vanity Fair interview, adding, "If I can get the entire truth of this case out in the public forum, that, to me, is priceless." Read pleaded not guilty and is facing the possibility of life in prison for the alleged murder of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe. She is accused of ramming O'Keefe with her vehicle during a drunken argument before leaving him to freeze to death in the front yard of a fellow police officer's home in the early morning hours of Jan. 29, 2022. Read's defense team did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Last year, Norfolk County Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone declared a mistrial after the jury was unable to reach a verdict, setting the stage for a costly redo for Read. Since her first trial, Read's defense team has introduced two new players, with attorneys Robert Alessi and Victoria George joining Alan Jackson, David Yannetti and Elizabeth Little. To help subsidize her expenses, Read reportedly sold her Mansfield home for $810,000 in November 2024 and is living off of her 401(k) retirement fund after losing her jobs as a Bentley University finance professor and Fidelity Investments equities analyst following her arrest. In addition to turning to her equity, numerous crowdfunding sites have been kick-started to help Read chip away at her legal fees – a common tactic used in high-profile court cases where bills could rise into the seven figures. "There are many examples of high-profile defendants paying out-of-pocket for their defense," criminal defense attorney Andrew Stoltmann told Fox News Digital. "O.J. Simpson is the classic example. But it is surprising when high-profile, non-wealthy individuals pay out-of-pocket for their entire defense." A Justice for Karen Read legal defense fund, organized by Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, is closing in on $1 million raised, with donations continuing to pour in as Read's second trial wraps up its fourth week. "Keep fighting," one anonymous donor wrote. "I believe in Karen's innocence and grateful she has an amazing team defending her." Werksman Jackson & Quinn did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Additionally, the Free Karen Read Movement has launched a website selling sweatshirts, T-shirts and other apparel in support of Read, while advocating for her innocence. Earlier this month, supporters hosted a ticketed dinner party in a nearby town to raise money for Read. Seats were priced at $100 and included a live DJ, raffle and cash bar. GET REAL-TIME UPDATES DIRECTLY ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB The event organizers did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. While turning to public methods as a way to bankroll legal funds increases, experts caution the charity could come with strings attached. "A third-party funding source is both a blessing and a curse," Stoltmann said. "They can provide necessary funds to put on a top-flight defense, but they also tend to have a disproportionate amount of sway with the attorneys since the bills are being paid by the third party. It's an ethical quagmire for the attorneys on cases." Read's defense team did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on whether she plans to accept the funds. In light of the hefty price tag for legal representation, it is not uncommon for attorneys to take on high-profile cases for a reduced rate in exchange for publicity. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER "Many criminal defense lawyers will take a case pro bono or at a severely discounted rate if it's a high-profile case and there's a great deal of news and television coverage," Stoltmann told Fox News Digital. "This often leads to a tsunami of new clients coming in the door for years after the trial takes place. This might be what's happening in Karen Read's case." While Read's fate remains in the hands of the jury, her chance to maintain her freedom – and clear her name – continues to come at an incredibly high cost. "I'm not backing down now," Read told Vanity Fair. "As scary as a potential conviction is, I will go to jail for something I didn't do before I plea out. I will never give them that win."
BBC News
11 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Diddy On Trial Australia's ‘mushroom murder' trial
It's the case that's captured the attention of the world. Three people died and a fourth survived an induced coma after eating beef Wellington at a family lunch, hosted by Erin Patterson. Police allege the beef wellington contained poisonous mushrooms, but Erin Patterson says she's innocent. Now, the accused triple murderer is fighting the charges in a regional Victorian courthouse. Court reporter Kristian Silva, investigative reporter Rachael Brown and producer Stephen Stockwell are on the ground, bringing you all the key moments from the trial as they unravel in court. From court recaps to behind-the-scenes murder trial explainers, the Mushroom Case Daily podcast is your eyes and ears inside the courtroom. Keep up to date with new episodes of Mushroom Case Daily, now releasing every day.
News.com.au
16 hours ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Erin Patterson: Mushroom murder trial jury shown accused woman's police interview a week after fatal lunch
Alleged poisoner Erin Patterson's police interview following the deaths of two of her in-laws has been played publicly for the first time at her trial in the regional Victorian town of Morwell. The mother-of-two has pleaded not guilty to the murder of three of her husband's relatives and the attempted murder of a fourth. Prosecutors allege she deliberately laced a beef wellington lunch with death cap mushrooms, while her defence argues Ms Patterson did not intend to poison anyone. Instead, they argue, the case is a tragic accident. Her husband Simon Patterson's parents, Don and Gail Patterson, and his aunt, Heather Wilkinson died from organ failure in the week following the lunch on July 29. 2023. Heather died on August 4 and 2.50am, Gail died later the same day at 5.55pm and Don died the following day at 11.30pm. Heather's husband, long-serving Korumburra Baptist Church pastor Ian Wilkinson, also fell ill but recovered after a long stint in hospital. This week, in the fifth week of the trial, Ms Patterson's police interview exactly a week after the lunch was played to the jury set to decide the facts of the case. Prosecutor Jane Warren told the court it lasts for 'just under' 21 minutes. Earlier in the trial, the jury was told Ms Patterson was not kept in the loop following the mushroom poisoning and was first informed of Heather and Gail's deaths as police executed a search warrant at her home about 11.40am on August 5. The interview recording, filmed at the Wonthaggi Police Station later the same afternoon, captures Ms Patterson sat across from two homicide squad detectives; Detective leading Senior Constable Stephen Eppingstall and Detective Senior Constable David Martin-Alcaide. Wearing a brown jumper, she sat slightly hunched over the table with the camera capturing the right-hand side of her face. The recording starts with Constable Eppingstall confirming the time as 4.41pm, Ms Patterson's full name and street address. 'All right. Erin, I intend to interview you today in relation to the death of two people, being Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson,' he says. 'Before continuing I must inform you that you do not have to say or do anything but anything you say or do is being recorded and may be used in evidence in court.' 'Okay,' Ms Patterson responds. Constable Eppingstall takes Ms Patterson for her rights, including to speak with a lawyer at any time, before she confirms she does not wish to exercise any of those rights. He tells her both Heather and Gail died a day earlier, while Don had undergone a liver transplant but was 'extremely critical' and the prognosis 'wasn't great' for Ian. 'We're trying to understand what has made them so ill,' Constable Eppingstall says. 'Conversely, we're trying to understand why you're not that ill.' Ms Patterson responds confirming she understands why she is being interviewed, before beginning to explain she's 'never been in a situation like this before'. 'I've been very, very helpful with the health department through the week because I wanted to help that side of things… because I do want to know what happened,' she says. 'I've given them as much information as they've asked for and offered up all the food and all the information about where the food came from.' Detective Eppingstall then points out for the record that Ms Patterson had been 'very helpful' with police at her home earlier that day, pointing out leftovers and the recipe book she used. He mentions that he did not see a lot of food from Asian or Indian grocers at her home. 'Did you look in my fridge? I've got a lot of Asian cooking stuff in my fridge,' she replies. The detective then follows up by asking if Ms Patterson has 'more of that kind of stuff' at her second home in the Melbourne suburb of Mount Waverley. But she tells him no, she cleaned out the pantry and fridge there because she's 'got to sell that place'. Ms Patterson tells the officer she's thinking of selling it to buy a home on Phillip Island where her children are now going to school. Constable Eppingstall shifts the topic of conversation to the mushrooms used to prepare the beef wellington lunch. 'Obviously, we've got concerns in relation to these mushrooms and where they've come from,' he says. The officer asks if Ms Patterson has ever foraged for mushrooms, which she denies, before asking if she had ever preserved foods. 'No,' she replies. 'Have you ever dehydrated food or anything?' he asks. 'No.' Constable Eppinstall then questions Ms Patterson about why she had her estranged husband's parents and aunt and uncle over for lunch. 'Because I've got no other family, so they're the only support I've got… and I want to maintain those relationships with them in spite of what's happened with Simon,' she said. Ms Patterson tells the officers Don and Gail had always been good to her and had promised to continue supporting her after her separation. 'They're the only grandparents that my children have and I want them to stay in my kids' life,' she said. 'And I think Simon hated that I still had a relationship with his parents but I love them.' Questioning moves to Ms Patterson's visit to the local Leongatha Hospital two days after the lunch on July 31 and Constable Eppingstall asks why she left after 5 minutes. 'I just went there thinking I needed a couple of bags of saline 'cause I was really dehydrated,' she responds. 'And they said; 'We want to admit you and send you to Melbourne'.' Ms Patterson said she 'can't just be told to drop everything' and needed to go home to feed her animals and pack her daughter's ballet bag. She tells the officers she later returned where a doctor and apologised for the delay and told her; 'we've got a couple of critical patients'. 'I said, 'That's fine, don't worry about me, I'm just a gastro case'… And he said, 'Oh, what's your name?' and I said, 'Erin,' and he said, 'Oh, we've been expecting you',' Ms Patterson said. She said she was informed her lunch guests were ill and she needed to be taken to Melbourne because it was suspected they had death cap mushroom poisoning. Ms Patterson said she was taken in an ambulance and remained in hospital until the afternoon of August 2. The topic shifts again to Constable Eppingstall promising to give her a list of everything police had seized from her Leongatha home earlier the same day. He raises the find of a Sunbeam dehydrator instruction manual in a kitchen draw, asking if she owned a dehydrator. 'No,' she said. 'I've got manuals for lots of stuff I've collected over the years. I've had all sorts of appliances and I just keep them all. ' I might've had one years ago.' When Constable Eppingstall asks what she would have used a dehydrator for, Ms Patterson starts talking about her Thermomix appliance. 'Like, when I first got the Thermomix I got really excited about, scratch and I did a lot of, you know, like, everything from scratch ingredients,' she says. 'I could've had something like that though.' The officer then continues to list through the items taken from her home, including the Recipetin Eats cookbook, fruit patter, jug of gravy, computers, tablets and phones. Later he shifts the conversation to the leftovers of the beef Wellington lunch, acknowledging Ms Patterson was helpful when police attended her home on July 31 to obtain it. 'What are those leftovers that you directed them to?' Constable Eppingstall questioned. 'That was the uneaten food from the lunch,' Ms Patterson responded. 'It went straight in the bin. And so when I went to the hospital and they said they were concerned that everyone ate some contaminated food I said, 'Well, there's the leftovers in the bin. You can have it'.' Ms Patterson tells the two detectives she initially said 'I'll go and get it' but was told she needed to stay in hospital and instead gave police permission to enter her property. 'So they did that and a bag of food appeared a bit later.' Ms Patterson is then asked if she had any questions, responding 'no', before Constable Eppingstall confirms the time is 5.30pm and suspends the interview. After the video concluded, Justice Christopher Beale informed jurors some irrelevant material had been edited out. 'All right, so ladies and gentlemen, you will notice that it had jumped from time to time. Irrelevant material has been edited out,' he said. The trial continues.
CBS News
a day ago
- General
- CBS News
New trial date set in trial of man accused of killing Dee Warner; change of venue motion denied
A Lenawee County judge has moved back the trial of Dale Warner, who is accused of killing his wife, Dee Warner. During a motion hearing on Friday, the judge scheduled the trial to begin on Jan. 27, 2026, according to online court records. Dale Warner's trial was previously set to start on Sept. 2, 2025. The change was made at the request of Dale Warner's attorney, Mary Chartier, who cited medical reasons, according to CBS affiliate WTOL. Judge Michael Olsaver, who is overseeing the case, made rulings on several motions during Friday's hearing. He denied a change of venue motion, though the issue may "be raised again if necessary," according to court records. Chartier argued emotions of Lenawee County residents are too high for Dale Warner to get a fair trial, WTOL reported. Olsaver also denied a motion to prevent phone calls made by Dale Warner from jail from being used in the trial. He added that the defense should be given access to all jail phone records. A motion to suppress evidence laid out in two search warrants was also denied, WTOL reported. A motion to compel discovery was approved, court records say. Chartier argued her team should get more complete text message records, because what they've received so far is incomplete, WTOL reported. Dee Warner, 52, was reported missing in April 2021 after she was last seen at her home in Lenawee County. Her remains were found on Dale Warner's property in August 2024. Dale Warner was arrested in November 2023 and is charged with one count each of open homicide and tampering with evidence. He was arraigned in June 2024. The case was featured on an episode of "48 Hours" in February 2025. Note: The above video first aired on Jan. 31, 2025.
