Rubber Ducks Stir Controversy in Massachusetts Murder Trial

The Karen Read murder case has gripped the state of Massachusetts—and led to charges for one of her supporters. Richard Schiffer Jr., a proponent of Read's innocence, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of intimidation, harassment, and littering. A January retrial awaits Read, who is accused of fatally hitting her boyfriend, police officer John O'Keefe, with her SUV. Her defense claims officers were behind O'Keefe's death and framed Read.

Schiffer admits to leaving rubber ducks and fake $100 bills around town but says he has a First Amendment right to do so. He says his peculiar strategy was inspired by defense attorney Alan Jackson's closing argument: "If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it's a duck." Outside the courthouse, dozens of Schiffer supporters showed up, some in rubber duck attire T-shirts. "When I did this, I didn't think it would go this far," Schiffer said as the crowd shouted, "We Love You." He added, "I wasn't looking for any notoriety, anything. "I know I am doing the right thing and am on the right side of all this." Schiffer's attorney hopes to have the charges dismissed before Schiffer's next court date in November. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)