Hank Brennan, known for defending mobster James 'Whitey' Bulger, has been appointed as the special assistant district attorney to lead the prosecution in Karen Read's upcoming retrial. Read faces charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident, related to the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, in January 2022. Her first trial ended in a mistrial after the jury could not reach a verdict. Brennan's appointment is seen as a move to ensure a meticulous and fair retrial, with Brennan emphasizing his commitment to both a fair trial for Read and a thorough examination of the facts. The retrial is scheduled for January 2025, although an appeal by Read's defense team could delay proceedings. Brennan will work alongside Assistant District Attorneys Adam Lally, Laura McLaughlin, and Caleb Schillinger.