Photo: Jay Willett/ WBZ NewsRadio
WORCESTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The owner of a Worcester bakery is celebrating the verdict in the Karen Read murder retrial by selling baked goods in support of Read's defense fund.
Read was found not guilty of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene last week in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe. She was found guilty of drunk driving and still faces a civil lawsuit from O'Keefe's family.
Read More: Karen Read Found Not Guilty Of Second-Degree Murder
The criminal case gained national attention because of swirling conspiracy theories that Read was framed. Read's defense used that argument during her first trial, which ended with a hung jury, and the subsequent retrial. The defense amassed widespread support from people across the country who believed Read was the victim of a coverup.
Erica Diaz, owner of Taste Great Cakes in Worcester, is among Read's supporters.
"I really don't think that she hit him with her car," Diaz said.
To support Read's legal fund, Diaz is now selling cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, each adorned with a picture of Read and two of her lawyers, Alan Jackson and David Yannetti.
"We did I think about 40 cakes last week, about six dozen cupcakes, and about three dozen cookies," Diaz said. "And they all sold out."
Despite support from customers and a personal "thank you" from Read herself, Diaz said she has received some criticism for the promotion.
"They do like to comment and talk about how I'm just trying to make money off of murder and I'm supporting a drunk and all this other stuff," Diaz said. "I kind of just let it roll off my back. I'm from Worcester, so what you're saying is really not going to hurt me, especially on the internet."
Read's civil lawsuit is still pending. It also names as defendants the two bars where Read went out drinking the night of O'Keefe's death.
WBZ NewsRadio's Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.