Profile
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.
1999 – present
Founder and Principal Attorney
Yannetti Criminal Defense Law Firm
1989 – 1999
Assistant District Attorney
Middlesex County District Attorney Office
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
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
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
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
Criminal Defense Attorney on Why Everyone Missed Karen Read's Red Flags!
Roberta Glass True Crime Report · Jan 23, 2026 · 1h 26m
Michael Proctor Fights Job Termination - Day 1
Full Trial Audio: Karen Read (John O'Keefe Murder) · Jan 22, 2026 · 4h 5m
Alan Jackson and Karen Read: Yes, You Read That Correctly!
Let's Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa · Jan 21, 2026 · 51m
PART 2: Karen Read’s First Exclusive Interview After MURDER ACQUITTAL - Who Killed John O’Keefe?
Rotten Mango · Jan 12, 2026 · 1h 2m
Karen Read’s First Exclusive Interview After MURDER ACQUITTAL - What REALLY Happened At 34 Fairview
Rotten Mango · Jan 11, 2026 · 1h 19m
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
Episode 63. Karen Read's Civil Case Gets Contentious Already!
The Lawyer You Know · Dec 22, 2025 · 1h 5m
20/20: The After Show: New Insights: Diddy, Karen Read & Luigi Mangione
20/20 · Dec 22, 2025 · 33h 51m
The After Show: New Insights: Diddy, Karen Read & Luigi Mangione
20/20 · Dec 22, 2025 · 33m
Breaking down Brian Walshe's murder conviction
The Karen Read Murder Trial: Canton Confidential · Dec 16, 2025 · 21m
Karen Read: The Aftermath | MURDERISH Ep. 197
MURDERISH · Oct 6, 2025 · 48m
The Michael Proctor files. Parents of murdered daughter want answers. And behind the scenes with a CSI.
Dateline NBC · Aug 7, 2025 · 28m
A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read (from the Patreon)
True Crime Obsessed · Jul 1, 2025 · 59m
Talking Dateline: Center of the Storm
Dateline NBC · Jun 25, 2025 · 21m
Center of the Storm
Dateline NBC · Jun 24, 2025 · 1h 23m
Death in the Snow- The Investigation That Divided a Community
Karen Read · Jun 23, 2025 · 22m
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
Karen Read-The Mysterious Death That Exposed Police Corruption in Boston
Karen Read · Jun 20, 2025 · 21m
Verdict day in Karen Read's second trial. A courtroom twist in South Carolina. And tariff scammers.
Dateline NBC · Jun 19, 2025 · 29m
The final days of Karen Read's retrial. The Pam Hupp saga continues. Plus, jury instructions.
Dateline NBC · Jun 12, 2025 · 29m
Round two of Karen Read's defense. Josh Mankiewicz on Dee Warner. Plus, a courtroom sketch artist.
Dateline NBC · Jun 5, 2025 · 31m
The Crystal Rogers case at trial. Karen Read prosecution wrapping up. And a lawyer on objections.
Dateline NBC · May 29, 2025 · 29m
Former MLB pitcher on trial for murder. New evidence in Karen Read. Plus, testifying anonymously.
Dateline NBC · May 22, 2025 · 28m
'If I were Karen Read, I would be worried sick,' former judge says
The Karen Read Murder Trial: Canton Confidential · May 20, 2025 · 21m
The Idaho student murders: new details. Karen Read's voicemails. And Sean Combs's trial begins.
Dateline NBC · May 8, 2025 · 25m
New evidence in Karen Read's retrial. Cold case arrest in Ohio. And a big ruling in Sean Combs case.
Dateline NBC · May 1, 2025 · 29m
Karen Read's retrial kicks off. A verdict in the "Mommy Doomsday" case. And Scott Peterson's blockbuster filing.
Dateline NBC · Apr 24, 2025 · 30m
Accused killer's voice on a 911 call in Michigan. A hike in paradise gone terribly wrong. And Karen Read's retrial begins.
Dateline NBC · Apr 3, 2025 · 29m
INFAMOUS: The Death of John O'Keefe & The Trial of Karen Read
Crime Junkie · Mar 31, 2025 · 1h 39m
Audio of a jailhouse sting. A woman's third murder trial in three decades. And the latest on a new texting scam.
Dateline NBC · Feb 27, 2025 · 28m
A verdict in Chattanooga. A widow accused of murder. And how to avoid natural disaster scammers.
Dateline NBC · Jan 23, 2025 · 28m
A mom's desperate search to find her daughter. Tears and fury in an Ohio courtroom. And the latest in the Karen Read case.
Dateline NBC · Jan 9, 2025 · 27m
Fallout from the Karen Read trial. The Ponzi and poison case. And for Domestic Violence Awareness Month: how to help.
Dateline NBC · Oct 10, 2024 · 27m
Karen Read
Killer Psyche · Aug 13, 2024 · 36m
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