An unsettling act of cruelty surfaced in Worcester as police launched an investigation into the harassment and animal cruelty incident involving a dead turtle hung outside the home of a controversial blogger's parents. Aidan Kearney, known for his "Turtleboy" blog and his contentious coverage of the Karen Read murder trial, reported on his platform that someone left "a large murdered turtle hanging from a railing at my parents house," according to Boston.com. Worcester Police Department confirmed the incident, forwarding it to the detective bureau for a more in-depth probe.
The grim discovery was made on the same day a mistrial was declared in the case of Read, who was accused of killing her boyfriend, a Boston Police Officer, by running him over with her SUV. Kearney, who has quickly become a significant figure in the so-called “Free Karen Read” movement and has published extensive commentary on the case, allegedly found the turtle with a hole through its head. He then shared the photos for what he called "educational purposes only," according to a social media post cited by Boston.com. Kearney's actions have intertwined him with the case, notably resulting in his arrest last October on charges of allegedly intimidating witnesses.
The investigation is still ongoing with no immediate suspects or motives reported by the authorities. The case has particularly garnered attention due to Kearney's polarizing presence in the media and his alleged witness intimidation, for which he has served time. His insistence on the protection of his First Amendment rights amid these charges has been a recurring theme in his defense.
The blogger resumed his discussion of the trial and continued to share content across various platforms on Tuesday. It did not appear to substantially slow down his online activity, indicating a determination to openly continue with his version of events and analysis. His claims that Karen Read was framed and the assertion of a potential police cover-up have been consistent throughout his coverage of the trial since the allegations arose. The mistrial and the removal of Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator on the case, have added further layers of complexity that Kearney has been quick to dissect publicly.
