Judge Charles Bolster

Charles Stephen Bolster (1894–1993) was an American judge at the Middlesex Superior Court in East Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a long-time resident of Southport Island, Maine who is best known for his involvement in the case of the Boston Strangler. He graduated from Harvard College in 1915 and Harvard Law School in 1920.

The Boston Strangler

Judge Bolster oversaw one of the Boston Strangler cases (as it was later concluded that the murders were likely committed by multiple individuals) beginning November 7, 1963. On the morning of November 22, Judge Bolster addressed the jury.

The following day, Roy Smith was convicted. Supposedly, a large number of jurors were from Kennedy's original congressional district and some were crying. After the JFK assassination, most judges suspended juries. Saying that the assassination announcement and juries grief caused the guilty verdict, the defense attempted to appeal.

Bolster Day

Each year on Southport Island, near Boothbay Harbor, Maine, The Southport Island Association hosts Bolster Day in memory of the judge.

Membership

In 1970 Judge Bolster became a member of the New Hampshire Society of the Cincinnati by right of his descent from Surgeon's Mate Timothy Hall of the 5th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment.