The Karen Read murder trial resumed Friday at the Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts, where prosecution witnesses provided more testimony as the seventh week of the trial concluded. Karen Read is accused of fatally hitting her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John O’Keefe, with her SUV after a night of drinking on January 29, 2022. Prosecutors allege that Read ran over O’Keefe with her Lexus SUV while making a three-point turn, then drove away, leaving him to die in a snowstorm outside a house party in Canton.
Read pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and other charges, with her defense claiming she is being framed and that O’Keefe was killed in a fight at the house party before being moved outside. The trial heard testimony from digital forensics examiner Jessica Hyde, who analyzed Google searches made by Jennifer McCabe. The searches included inquiries about how long it takes to die in the cold, a crucial aspect of the case.
In the courtroom, crash reconstructionist Massachusetts State Trooper Joe Paul detailed the testing process done on Read’s SUV, indicating that the vehicle went in reverse outside the location of the incident. Video evidence presented showed the functioning of Read’s backup and 360-degree cameras during the events surrounding O’Keefe’s death.
The trial faced a delay when a juror was inadvertently captured on camera, leading to the suspension of the video feed. Amidst juror dismissals and scheduling changes, the trial continued with an emphasis on DNA evidence and testimony from forensic experts and investigators linking O’Keefe to evidence found near Read’s SUV. Read’s defense raised concerns of potential tampering and planted evidence, creating a complex legal battle in the courtroom.
As the trial progresses, with testimonies scheduled for the coming week and potential witness testimonies, the case of Karen Read and the death of John O’Keefe continues to unfold in the Norfolk Superior Court. The trial’s trajectory, along with the mounting evidence and legal arguments presented, will shape the outcome in the upcoming weeks, providing insight into a controversial and tragic case.