Law With Mr. Lafayette

Recently the term “Allen Charge” was used during the last day of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Karen Read trial. I thought of using this episode to describe and explain its origins and application. It is based on the Supreme Court decision in Allen v. United States (1896).

On October 21, 2021 in Santa Fe County New Mexico, on the scene of the filming of a western entitled Rust, actor and Director Alec Baldwin fired a round from a 45 caliber revolver that he assumed was a blank. It was not. To his horror it was a live bullet that struck videographer Helena Hutchins in the chest, passing through her body and wounding Director Joel Souza, who is standing behind her. In this episode listeners will have an overview of the criminal trial, which is currently in its third day as Baldwin stands accused of involuntary manslaughter. The possible sentence of 18 months incarceration loom ahead.

On July 1, 2024, Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone declared a mistrial in the case of Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Karen Read. The jury communicated with the judge that they were deadlocked on Count 2 of the three counts before them. The host of this podcast, René Lafayette, goes on to explain what happened in the hours and days since.

Drawing from the experience of attending a jury view when he was High Sheriff of Providence County Rhode Island in 1992, René Lafayette explains the process and what jurors do and why.

During day, four of the Karen Reed trial which took place on Friday, May 3, 2024, Canton Firefighter/EMT underwent an extensive and at times aggressive cross examination by the defense. Then the jury was bused to the Canton home at 34 Fairview Road where O’Keefe’s body was found. They also viewed Read’s Lexus SUV with the removed right taillight.

On Wednesday, May 1, 2024 the court system observed law day and so court sessions were excused for that day and not held. On Thursday, May 2, day three of the Karen Read high profile murder trial continued. Testimony of several Canton EMTs, police and firefighters was accepted into the trial record. Additionally plans for a “jury view“ to be held on Friday, May 3 was discussed. These are all elements of the recap of day three of the Karen Read murder trial.

On Monday, April 29, 2024, the murder trial of Karen Read opened at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts. Trials begin with opening statements by the prosecution and then the defense. The presentations by Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally and Defense Attorney David Jannette were a marked study in different styles. We will see how the outcome will be impacted by personal style.

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 marked the second day of the high profile murder trial of Karen Read held in Norfolk County Superior Court in Dedham Massachusetts. Far from being an average judicial proceeding, the defense team wasted little time in planting “reasonable doubt” in the minds of the jurors. In this episode of “Law With Mr. Lafayette,” René Lafayette explains the twist of events that occurred as prosecution witnesses had to explain inconsistencies in their testimony.

April 29, 2024 has been a beautifully mild and sunny spring day here in Massachusetts. The attention of many legal observers and students of the judicial system have focused their attention to Norfolk County Superior Court, sitting in Dedham, where opening statements have been given in the murder trial of Karen Read. This episode provides a recap of the events that happened this the first day of this height profile judicial proceeding which may last 6-8 weeks.

In this episode of “Law With Mr. Lafayette“ the case of Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Karen Read is discussed. The case is being heard before Superior Court judge Beverly Cannone in Superior Court in Dedham starting today, April 29, 2024. The case is already garnered widespread publicity and attention including extensive coverage by Courttv.com. Read is being charged with Second Degree Murder in the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, whose bruised and frozen body was found outside the Canton, Massachusetts home of a fellow officer the morning of January 29, 2022.