Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to https://honeylove.com/LAWNERD ! #honeylovepod #ad

In the Alex Murdaugh case, his defense attorney, Dick Harpootlian, is claiming new, exculpatory evidence was not turned over to the defense during the trial. They are text messages between Murdaugh and Eddie Smith. This is in addition to the ongoing appeal of the murder conviction based on allegations that the clerk of court, Becky Hill, influenced the jury. This could mean that a new murder trial can occur. However, Murdaugh will remain in prison for decades due to his multiple financial crime convictions.

The gag order has been lifted in the Bryan Kohberger case and his sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23rd. While he waived his right to appeal, he can still file one, though it is unlikely to change his predetermined four consecutive life sentences.

Tom Girardi has reported to prison as of July 17th, 2025, despite his attempts to delay. Court documents indicate that his motion for bond pending appeal will be heard in September, but the attorneys agreed he would go into custody in the interim.

Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers are divorcing. Denise has filed for and received a temporary restraining order, alleging physical violence. The LA County court system is currently down online and I will cover this more in-depth once all court documents are available

RESOURCES

Bryan Kohberger Stream July 10 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy9rHg9m4xk

Alex Murdaugh Appeal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HKNZBInEso

First Girardi Stream - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn16T4ySkec

The Emily Show July 14 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ysy5bvjKuac

Alex Murdaugh Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gJUHo2XsVhGNBhaMdx9B_cq

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/tAzbRD_job8

A Massachusetts woman, has been charged with criminal contempt for allegedly disclosing sealed information from a federal grand jury to unauthorized individuals. Media reports suggest this grand juror was involved in the Karen Read case and leaked information related to it, though I caution that grand juries handle numerous cases, and this specific connection is not yet definitively confirmed from official documents.

The individual was charged on July 11th and has already signed a plea agreement to plead guilty. Her initial appearance in federal court is scheduled for July 22nd. The plea agreement, dated July 11th, indicates prior conversations between her attorney and the U.S. Attorney's Office.

RESOURCES

U.S. Attorney's Office Press Release - https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/massachusetts-woman-charged-leaking-grand-jury-information

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fallout from the Karen Read Retrial continues, focusing on Boston Police Commissioner Cox's statements regarding Officer Kelly Dever and a strongly worded letter from Attorney Alan Jackson asking she be added to the Brady List.

Officer Dever testified in the Karen Read Retrial, stating that her initial observations to the FBI about Burkowitz and Higgins in the Canton PD sallyport garage were a "false memory." She claimed she didn't recall the Commissioner telling her to "do the right thing," despite previously telling the defense he said that to her.

Commissioner Cox denied knowing Officer Dever was associated with the Karen Read case and that he influenced her testimony, despite her acknowledging a meeting with him where he offered support. He stated he "encourages" many officers.

Karen's Defense Attorney, Alan Jackson, sent a formal letter to Commissioner Cox, requesting that Officer Kelly Dever be included in the Brady database. This is due to her changed testimony and "false memory" claim, which he argues irreparably compromises her credibility and reliability as a law enforcement officer. Jackson asserts that if she lied, it's perjury, and if she truly suffers from false memories, she's unfit to serve. Jackson's letter warns that failure to disclose this information would be a constitutional violation, potentially leading to severe sanctions, including the dismissal of any cases Officer Dever is involved in, even post-prosecution, if this information is not disclosed to the defense.

RESOURCES
Karen Read Retrial Day 25 - https://youtube.com/live/agSsaDTCZJc
Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo
Boston 25 News Article - https://www.boston25news.com/news/25-investigates/25-investigates-read-defense-demands-boston-officer-be-placed-brady-list/IEOICYHT4VE4ZKQWLWKM7M5T3M/
Alec Baldwin Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gLvDml0N_vUJ4wINrMLKHHS

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/C8Ou77B6Eow

In Sarah Boone's latest letter to the court, she is inquiring about the status of her appeal and her court-appointed appellate attorney. She states that her attorney sent one introductory message in February 2025 and has not responded to her five inmate messages, two handwritten letters, or attempts by nine third-party representatives.

Boone says her appeal is in jeopardy because an order was issued on June 13, 2025, requiring an initial brief within 20 days, or her appeal may be dismissed due to lack of communication from her attorney.  However, there was a third extension granted on the appeal. She argues that her attorney's failure to perform duties or communicate cannot be held against her and that dismissal would deny her due process and effective assistance of counsel.

The trial court judge cannot force the appellate attorney to communicate and that appeals typically take a long time, with minimal client input needed since the brief is based on the record. There might be a desire for Boone to control her lawyer, which is often not how the attorney-client relationship works in appellate cases.

RESOURCES
Sarah Boone Mega Compilation - https://youtu.be/tuMPDDpALh0
Sarah Boone Post Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gI-eqJ7fySZATvbdXi3hZpz

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get 15% off OneSkin with the code LAWNERD at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad

There are "rumblings" of Karen Read signing both a movie deal, with Alan Jackson involved, and a book deal. Special prosecutor Hank Brennan has billed the taxpayers of Massachusetts over $500,000 for his time. Karen Read's defense attorney, Alan Jackson, has sent a letter demanding that Boston Police Officer Kelly Dever be added to the Brady list due to credibility issues. 

Justin Baldoni's team did not refile their counter-claims against Blake Lively's lawsuit, though his alleged facts will still be used in his defense. A hearing is set for July 15th regarding disputes over Lively's deposition, including its location, attendees, and protective orders.

The media coalition has requested its lifting, arguing Kohberger's waiver of appellate rights and guilty plea negate the original concerns about a fair jury. A Zoom hearing is set for July 17th at 10:30 AM MT.

Tom Girardi is set to surrender to federal prison on July 17th for an 87-month sentence. His lawyers filed a motion for bond pending appeal, but the hearing for this motion is set after his surrender date, and they did not clear the date with the court. The court has directed both parties to confer by July 14th to identify an available hearing date. The divorce case, pending since 2020, is at risk of being dismissed due to inactivity. A hearing is set for August 1st, 2025, where Erika's attorney needs to file a dismissal or judgment, or show cause for the delay. Complications arise due to Tom's conservatorship and assets being tied up in bankruptcy cases.

We’ll discuss Donna Adelson this week.

RESOURCES

Karen Read Retrial Day 25 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agSsaDTCZJc  

Special prosecutor in Karen Read retrial billed DA's office over $500K - https://www.nbcboston.com/investigations/special-prosecutor-in-karen-read-retrial-billed-das-office-566k/3764071/ 

Justin Baldoni opts out of amending claims against Blake Lively - https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/amp/culture/story/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-legal-battle-timeline-117430951 

Baldoni Lawsuit Dismissed? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhYuhlpQ6YA

Kohberger Stream July 10 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy9rHg9m4xk

Tom Girardi Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gIvaPnEfilr35PrLPfq01qz 

Depp v. Heard Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gLVeg1x2AInDBfPU6-ffnD0

Amber Heard Legal Fees - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTHuaB8Fde0

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/Yy9rHg9m4xk

Bryan Kohberger has signed a factual basis admitting to the burglary and four murders, and a plea agreement for a fixed life sentence without parole or opportunity for reconsideration. This means a life sentence with no possibility of release. He has also waived his right to a fair trial, including the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses. Consequently, the media argues that the non-dissemination order should be lifted, as there is no longer a jury pool to taint or concerns about his right to a fair trial.

The prosecution, however, objected to lifting the order. The court initially made a preliminary decision, stating it could be revisited if a reason emerged. The court also noted that no bond was set for the defendant. Bill Thompson emphasized the need for time to provide a full statement, which he claimed was difficult while preparing for sentencing. However, this was deemed not a legal justification, and the media has highlighted that "more time" is insufficient legal grounds to maintain a restrictive non-dissemination or gag order.

As of July 10th, more docket entries haven't appeared since the order was filed on July 2nd. There's a possibility the court is backlogged and won't address it until July 23rd, at which point it would become moot and withdrawn.

RESOURCES

Bryan Kohberger Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKASBczV3CsUx-t5oRAK0ca

Bryan Kohberger Change of Plea Hearing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdOt4zAWjp8

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/BCja5KnBz4k

The complex civil lawsuits surrounding the estate of Eric Richins, husband of Kouri Richins, who is accused of his murder. These civil cases are stayed (on hold) as the Kouri Richins' criminal case and are being handled by the same judge, which is noted as unusual. A conviction could significantly alter her entitlements under the law (e.g., preventing her from inheriting). The criminal trial's outcome will also impact the ability to depose Kouri Richins for the civil cases.

Eric Richins's sister, Katie Richins Benson, acting as the representative of Eric's estate and trustee of his living trust, has sued Kouri Richins, her mother, her brother, and Kouri Richins Reality (KRR) for various alleged improper financial actions.

Kouri Richins has countersued the estate, arguing she is entitled to a portion of Eric's assets. She seeks declaratory judgment and quiet title, asking the court to declare that she owns 50% of the home, personal property, and business interest. She also seeks a money judgment against the estate for unjust enrichment. These actions also takes money away from her children's future.

RESOURCES

Kouri Richins New Charges - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43ULdoW-g4w

Kouri Richins Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gJYyEMQDM_Cn4icqWBV20fW

Walk The Dog Letter - https://www.youtube.com/live/9vmnAHDbBJ0&t=3636s

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/BCja5KnBz4k

Former Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator in the Karen Read case, is appealing his termination from the Massachusetts State Police. He was fired in March after an internal investigation sustained allegations of misconduct, including derogatory text messages, sharing information outside the department, and drinking alcohol on duty.

Proctor has civil service protections in his job, and his appeal is being supported and paid for by the police union. The union's involvement may also be to prevent his termination from setting a precedent for other officers. Proctor stated in an interview that he wants his job back, claiming that "no one's ever fired for personal texts."

A procedural hearing for his appeal was held virtually on Tuesday as part of his appeal to the state's Civil Service Commission, an independent body that handles issues of state and local worker discipline. State Police requested the hearing be made public, which some see as a step towards transparency. A full in-person hearing is scheduled for mid-August.

During the procedural hearing, lawyers for Proctor and the State Police indicated they had reached an agreement regarding evidence discovery, although it might take longer than anticipated. Proctor remains certified as an officer in Massachusetts, even without a law enforcement agency. The Karen Read case has also led to other changes within the Massachusetts State Police, including the reassignment of Proctor's supervisor, Yuri Bukhenik, and the relocation of another trooper involved in the case, David DiCicco. The Civil Service Commission will ultimately decide whether Trooper Proctor will get his job back.

RESOURCES

NBC 10 Boston Reporting - https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/michael-proctor-mass-state-police-appeal-hearing/3761846/

Proctor's Post Trial Interview - https://www.youtube.com/live/i7IdKgUQoDU?t=7615s

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/43ULdoW-g4w

New charges against Kouri Richins are building upon her existing charges for the murder and attempted murder of her husband, Eric Richins. A significant portion of the new charges revolves around Kouri Richins's financial dealings and mounting debt.

Richins wrote checks from an account with a zero balance and an extended line of credit to her business account (which was negative), then immediately transferred funds out before the checks could bounce. This included a $1,000 transfer to her mother and $2,000 to her personal account.

In late 2021, Richins owned a home with substantial short-term, high-interest loans. She unsuccessfully tried to refinance the property into a traditional mortgage. She then "seller-financed" the property for her best friend, her best friend's husband, and their three children, who moved in and agreed to pay $2,900/month in rent with an option to buy. The best friend wired $45,000 as a down payment for a supposed long-term mortgage. Richins immediately spent this money on unrelated personal expenses and other creditors, leaving the best friend vulnerable to foreclosure and eventual eviction from the home.

The case is still scheduled for trial in February 2026. The financial charges are separate from the murder case but some information will overlap as evidence of motive and consciousness of guilt.

RESOURCES

Kouri Richins Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gJYyEMQDM_Cn4icqWBV20fW

Preliminary Hearing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCpQt7jwelE

Bail Hearing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL62suOhaD8

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/43ULdoW-g4w

Sergeant Trooper Yuri Bukhenik, who was involved in the Karen Read investigation, was reassigned to the Division of Standards and Training, where he will perform administrative functions. While NBC 10 Boston's headline states Bukhenik "supervised" the investigation, Trooper Michael Proctor was the lead investigator, and Bukhenik was Proctor's supervisor.

Sgt. Bukhenik's position is looking to be filled. The reassignment comes less than three weeks after Karen Read's acquittal. The Norfolk DA's office will face significant challenges with past cases due to the credibility issues of their officers.

RESOURCES

Karen Read - 2025 Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gL3CbMJHvrKiAD1aDNcblnO

Sandra Birchmore Case - https://youtu.be/sF3VD5cfKnE

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices