For supporters who believe Read is innocent and the victim of a law enforcement conspiracy, the start of the second trial was a chance to reconnect with people they got to know at similar rallies during last summer’s trial, which ended with a hung jury.

Just before 9 a.m., Read drove by and waved to the crowd. Many supporters left at that point, but about 25 people stayed near the courthouse to watch the trial on a television perched atop an SUV.

“We’re here to support Karen Read, but it’s bigger than Karen Read,” said Brandi Magnoli, who brought the television with her husband Russell. “It’s about corruption, and we’re all going to be a victim if we don’t speak out.”

Alongside her was a group of Read’s supporters, many of whom have known each other for almost two years.

“I’ve been here since the beginning,” said Michael Brooks, 60, of New Hampshire. “It started with two, three people, and it has just grown. Now, it’s like a big family out here.”

Brooks, who wears a yellow hat and goggles, is known as “Minion Mike,” which he said is a playful jab at those who call Read’s supporters “minions.”

Many gathered outside the courthouse said they are motivated to support Read, a former financial analyst and adjunct professor, because she “could be any of us,” said Allison Taggart, 40, who lives in Dedham.

“I began to be very interested in this case because she’s an employee, she’s a daughter,” said Elaine Casamassima, 56, who lives on Cape Cod. “You know, I have children. I work in the corporate world like she does. This could have happened to me. It could have happened to my daughter.”

Casamassima said she gives $50 from every paycheck to Read’s legal fund.

“It’s very unfortunate that she’s carrying this heavy weight on her, but I also feel like God chose her to be the one to show this corruption that’s taking place in this district and the state now,” she said.

Read, 45, has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while OUI, and leaving the scene of personal injury and death.

Prosecutors allege that Read backed her Lexus SUV into her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, during a drunken dispute and left him for dead after dropping him off early on Jan. 29, 2022, outside a Canton home.

Read’s lawyers contend O’Keefe was beaten inside the home before his body was dumped outside.

Read’s supporters say they heard about the case and found each other mostly through social media and have formed a strong community some likened to a family.

“There’s just a lot of things that don’t add up that make you wonder,” Taggart said of the accusations against Read. “I just hope that by showing up, we’re bringing awareness to things that are going on.”

Sarah Mesdjian can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on X @sarahs_journal.