Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey, a Democrat, will be replaced following Tuesday's election, concluding a tenure marked by controversy. Morrissey, who served four terms, did not seek re-election.
Djuna Perkins, a Democrat with 10 years of prior prosecutorial experience before entering private practice, is set to take office on January 1.
Morrissey's time as DA drew significant scrutiny, particularly for his office's handling of the prosecution of Karen Read. Read faced two trials for allegedly killing her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O'Keefe. The first trial resulted in a hung jury and mistrial, while the second trial led to an acquittal on the murder charge, though she was convicted of drunk driving. Critics argued that Morrissey's office overcharged Read in a case plagued by inconsistencies.
Another controversial case involved the investigation into the death of Sandra Birchmore. Morrissey's office initially ruled her death a suicide. However, a federal investigation led to charges against former police officer Matthew Farwell for her murder and for staging the scene to appear as a suicide. Farwell is accused of having a sexual relationship with Birchmore when she was 15. His trial has been ongoing for five weeks, with jury deliberations potentially beginning soon.
Morrissey's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.