Reporter turns over interview recordings in connection with murder trial

Boston magazine contributing editor Gretchen Voss was subpoenaed on Jan. 4, 2024, for recordings and handwritten notes in connection with a murder trial in Dedham, Massachusetts. A judge ordered her to turn over redacted copies of the recordings later that month.

In June and July 2023, Voss interviewed Karen Read, who stands accused of the murder of her boyfriend in a case that has captured national attention.

In January 2024, the prosecutors for the commonwealth filed a motion to compel Voss to disclose notes and recordings from her interviews with Read. Massachusetts does not have a formally recognized reporter’s shield law protecting journalists from being forced to disclose newsgathering materials.

Voss and Boston magazine agreed to produce the audiotapes so long as they could redact information that Read or her attorneys had requested be kept off the record. But they opposed any disclosure of comments or handwritten notes Voss took during an off-the-record interview with Read at her home.

Robert Bertsche, an attorney representing Voss and Boston magazine, called the prosecutors’ motion a “fishing expedition” during a hearing on Jan. 18, the Boston Herald reported.

“Their argument for more is that the article is such a goldmine that there must be more,” Bertsche added.

Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone sided with Voss and the magazine on Jan. 23, but wrote that prosecutors could renew their motion for the off-the-record content if “the Commonwealth believes it is entitled to further information.”

The case against Read ended in a mistrial in July and was scheduled for a retrial in early 2025.

The state revived its request for Voss to turn over her notes and unredacted interview recordings in November 2024, ahead of the second trial. Prosecutors also requested copies of any texts, emails or voicemail communications Voss had with Read.

Cannone initially granted the renewed request on Dec. 5, but partially reversed the decision in January 2025, ruling that Voss would not be forced to disclose her handwritten notes.

Neither Voss nor Bertsche responded to requests for comment.