Jennifer McCabe, Brian Albert, Colin Albert and Brian Higgins sued Read and Aidan Kearney over statements and conduct they allege harmed them. The case remains contested.
What the record shows
The original April 16 complaint alleges defamation and harassment connected with accusations that the plaintiffs were involved in John's death or in framing Read. The Plymouth docket later records answers to an amended complaint and ongoing appellate activity.
On October 27, the court allowed a motion to compel nonparty attorney David Yannetti to respond to an August 6 document subpoena within ten days. This is a discovery order: it requires a response in the litigation. It is not a finding that any party lied or is liable.
Key facts
- Status at review
- Open — Plymouth Superior 2683CV00541
- Next step / latest development
- October 27, 2026: court ordered a response to a document subpoena within ten days.
- Checked
- October 28, 2026
Limits and disputed context
The original complaint is not the later amended pleading. The docket summary does not establish the contents of private discovery or resolve privilege questions, truth, damages or liability.
How we read this development
Our assessment of the procedural record, not a judicial finding.
Why we give this weight
These claims matter because public accusations have consequences for the people named. We will keep that concern separate from the evidence about how John died; neither side gains factual credibility simply by suing or being sued.
The material challenge
A lawsuit alleging defamation does not, by itself, establish that the challenged statements were false.
Our response
We will distinguish proven statements, disputed allegations and actual rulings, including any material findings against either side.
What we are not claiming
Allegations, procedural rulings and our interpretation remain distinct.
S64: McCabe and others v. Read and Kearney: Plymouth docket
Plymouth Superior 2683CV00541; September 15 orders 74-75; September 30 answers 84-85; October 27 order 92.
Open publisher sourceS65: Witnesses' civil complaint against Read and Kearney
Pages 1-2, caption and paragraphs 1-3.
Open publisher source