DEDHAM, Mass. – Testimony continued on Friday in the trial of Karen Read, a 44-year-old woman from Mansfield accused of second-degree murder in the death of her boyfriend, John O’Keefe. The prosecution alleges that Read struck O’Keefe with an SUV outside a home in Canton during a snowstorm on January 29, 2022, following a night of drinking. Read has pleaded not guilty, with her defense team planning to argue that another party is responsible for O’Keefe’s death.
The trial began with Judge Beverly Cannone privately speaking with four jurors, resulting in one juror being excused for “personal reasons.” Testimony then resumed with Jessica Hyde, owner of a digital forensics company, analyzing data from Jennifer McCabe’s phone. McCabe was present at the Canton home where O’Keefe was discovered.
Updates during the trial included timestamps of certain searches, reinforcing the testimony provided by witnesses. The prosecution aims to show that Read’s actions leading to O’Keefe’s death were intentional, while the defense argues that investigators overlooked other potential suspects.
Lead investigator Proctor faced criticism for sharing details of the investigation, with the defense presenting evidence to suggest O’Keefe was assaulted by someone else inside the home. Witness testimonies and forensic evidence are central to both the prosecution and defense’s arguments in the case.
Nicholas Roberts, a former Massachusetts police toxicologist, testified about Read’s blood alcohol content and the circumstances surrounding O’Keefe’s death. First responders’ futile efforts to save O’Keefe were detailed, with statements from witnesses and officers shedding light on the events leading to his demise.
The trial is expected to continue for several weeks as both the prosecution and defense present their cases and evidence in the courtroom. As the legal proceedings unfold, more information and insights into the case are anticipated to emerge.