Defense Attorney

David Yannetti

1 case·40 media appearances

Profile

RoleDefense Attorney

About

David Yannetti is a respected figure in the Massachusetts legal community, known for his dedication to justice and his strategic approach to defense. With a career spanning several decades, Yannetti has built a reputation for his meticulous preparation and his ability to navigate complex legal challenges. His work often involves high-stakes cases where his clients face serious charges, and he is known for his commitment to ensuring a fair trial.

Yannetti's legal career is marked by his involvement in numerous significant cases, where he has consistently demonstrated his expertise in criminal defense. He is recognized for his ability to construct compelling defenses, often focusing on uncovering alternative narratives that challenge the prosecution's case. His approach has earned him respect among peers and clients alike, as he tirelessly advocates for those he represents.

In addition to his courtroom work, Yannetti is also involved in legal education and mentorship, sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring attorneys. He believes in the importance of a robust defense system and is committed to upholding the principles of justice and fairness in every case he handles.

One of the most notable cases in Yannetti's career was his role as co-defense counsel for Karen Read. Alongside Alan Jackson, he worked on building a third-party culpability defense in a case that captivated public attention. The case involved the death of Boston police officer John O'Keefe, with Read initially charged with his murder. Yannetti's efforts contributed to a mistrial in 2023 and ultimately to Read's acquittal in 2025, amidst allegations of a cover-up by law enforcement. This case highlighted Yannetti's ability to challenge the status quo and advocate for his client's rights in the face of significant public and legal scrutiny.

Sources: Biographical details compiled from verified news reporting and public records.

Career

1999 – present

Founder and Principal Attorney

Yannetti Criminal Defense Law Firm

1989 – 1999

Assistant District Attorney

Middlesex County District Attorney Office

Connected case

Related people

Media appearances

Paul O'Keefe et al v. Karen Read et al - Hearing Feb 17 2026

Full Trial Audio: Karen Read (John O'Keefe Murder) · Feb 18, 2026 · 21m

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Paul O'Keefe et al v. Karen Read et al - Hearing Feb 12 2026

Full Trial Audio: Karen Read (John O'Keefe Murder) · Feb 12, 2026 · 19m

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Mistake “Reply All” Email Sends Karen Read to a Courtroom Showdown | Crime Alert 3PM 02.06.26

Crime Alert Hourly Update · Feb 6, 2026 · 5m

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Paul O'Keefe et al v. Karen Read et al - Hearing Feb 3 2026

Full Trial Audio: Karen Read (John O'Keefe Murder) · Feb 6, 2026 · 35m

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Criminal Defense Attorney on Why Everyone Missed Karen Read's Red Flags!

Roberta Glass True Crime Report · Jan 23, 2026 · 1h 26m

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Michael Proctor Fights Job Termination - Day 1

Full Trial Audio: Karen Read (John O'Keefe Murder) · Jan 22, 2026 · 4h 5m

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Alan Jackson and Karen Read: Yes, You Read That Correctly!

Let's Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa · Jan 21, 2026 · 51m

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PART 2: Karen Read’s First Exclusive Interview After MURDER ACQUITTAL - Who Killed John O’Keefe?

Rotten Mango · Jan 12, 2026 · 1h 2m

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Karen Read’s First Exclusive Interview After MURDER ACQUITTAL - What REALLY Happened At 34 Fairview

Rotten Mango · Jan 11, 2026 · 1h 19m

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Accused: The Karen Read Story

Jan 1, 2026

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Breaking Down Every Angle of the Karen Read Case and Trials: Crime Week Begins, with Peter Tragos | Ep. 1218

The Megyn Kelly Show · Dec 29, 2025 · 55m

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Episode 63. Karen Read's Civil Case Gets Contentious Already!

The Lawyer You Know · Dec 22, 2025 · 1h 5m

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The After Show: New Insights: Diddy, Karen Read & Luigi Mangione

20/20 · Dec 22, 2025 · 33m

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20/20: The After Show: New Insights: Diddy, Karen Read & Luigi Mangione

20/20 · Dec 22, 2025 · 33h 51m

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Breaking down Brian Walshe's murder conviction

The Karen Read Murder Trial: Canton Confidential · Dec 16, 2025 · 21m

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Karen Read: The Aftermath | MURDERISH Ep. 197

MURDERISH · Oct 6, 2025 · 48m

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The Michael Proctor files. Parents of murdered daughter want answers. And behind the scenes with a CSI.

Weekly Roundup

Dateline NBC · Aug 7, 2025 · 28m

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A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read (from the Patreon)

True Crime Obsessed · Jul 1, 2025 · 59m

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Talking Dateline: Center of the Storm

Dateline NBC · Jun 25, 2025 · 21m

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Center of the Storm

Dateline NBC · Jun 24, 2025 · 1h 23m

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Death in the Snow- The Investigation That Divided a Community

Karen Read · Jun 23, 2025 · 22m

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Breaking Down The Karen Read Trial From 2 Perspectives With Bob Motta & Tony Brueski

The Trial Of Karen Read | Justice For John O'Keefe · Jun 20, 2025 · 49m

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Karen Read-The Mysterious Death That Exposed Police Corruption in Boston

Karen Read · Jun 20, 2025 · 21m

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Verdict day in Karen Read's second trial. A courtroom twist in South Carolina. And tariff scammers.

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Dateline NBC · Jun 19, 2025 · 29m

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The final days of Karen Read's retrial. The Pam Hupp saga continues. Plus, jury instructions.

Weekly Roundup

Dateline NBC · Jun 12, 2025 · 29m

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Round two of Karen Read's defense. Josh Mankiewicz on Dee Warner. Plus, a courtroom sketch artist.

Weekly Roundup

Dateline NBC · Jun 5, 2025 · 31m

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The Crystal Rogers case at trial. Karen Read prosecution wrapping up. And a lawyer on objections.

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Dateline NBC · May 29, 2025 · 29m

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Former MLB pitcher on trial for murder. New evidence in Karen Read. Plus, testifying anonymously.

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Dateline NBC · May 22, 2025 · 28m

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'If I were Karen Read, I would be worried sick,' former judge says

The Karen Read Murder Trial: Canton Confidential · May 20, 2025 · 21m

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The Idaho student murders: new details. Karen Read's voicemails. And Sean Combs's trial begins.

Weekly Roundup

Dateline NBC · May 8, 2025 · 25m

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New evidence in Karen Read's retrial. Cold case arrest in Ohio. And a big ruling in Sean Combs case.

Weekly Roundup

Dateline NBC · May 1, 2025 · 29m

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Karen Read's retrial kicks off. A verdict in the "Mommy Doomsday" case. And Scott Peterson's blockbuster filing.

Weekly Roundup

Dateline NBC · Apr 24, 2025 · 30m

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Accused killer's voice on a 911 call in Michigan. A hike in paradise gone terribly wrong. And Karen Read's retrial begins.

Weekly Roundup

Dateline NBC · Apr 3, 2025 · 29m

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INFAMOUS: The Death of John O'Keefe & The Trial of Karen Read

Crime Junkie · Mar 31, 2025 · 1h 39m

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Audio of a jailhouse sting. A woman's third murder trial in three decades. And the latest on a new texting scam.

Weekly Roundup

Dateline NBC · Feb 27, 2025 · 28m

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A verdict in Chattanooga. A widow accused of murder. And how to avoid natural disaster scammers.

Weekly Roundup

Dateline NBC · Jan 23, 2025 · 28m

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A mom's desperate search to find her daughter. Tears and fury in an Ohio courtroom. And the latest in the Karen Read case.

Weekly Roundup

Dateline NBC · Jan 9, 2025 · 27m

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Fallout from the Karen Read trial. The Ponzi and poison case. And for Domestic Violence Awareness Month: how to help.

Weekly Roundup

Dateline NBC · Oct 10, 2024 · 27m

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Karen Read

Killer Psyche · Aug 13, 2024 · 36m

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Karen Read: Cold Blooded Murderer or Cover-Up? The VERY Controversial Case & A Deep Dive of Everything We Know

Serialously with Annie Elise · Apr 1, 2024 · 1h 27m

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