Canton, Massachusetts – Jurors in the murder trial of Karen Read faced a full day of testimony as they reconvened in the courtroom on Monday. The proceedings resumed after a break during which medical experts testified about Read’s level of intoxication on the morning John O’Keefe was found dead. O’Keefe’s niece and nephew also provided testimony, detailing frequent arguments between O’Keefe and Read.
The trial revolves around allegations that Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV and left him to die on the lawn of a home in Canton. While the prosecution argues that Read is responsible for O’Keefe’s death, her defense team maintains that she is being framed.
Following the discovery of O’Keefe’s body, Read exhibited erratic behavior, leading to her admission to Good Samaritan Medical Center. Blood work conducted at the medical center revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .081 around 9 a.m., slightly above the legal driving limit.
A forensic toxicologist testified that if Read had her last drink around 12:45 a.m., her blood alcohol concentration at the time of the incident would have been between 0.13 and 0.29. This wide range encompasses typical levels within the general population.
The trial day on Monday was scheduled to include extended hours of testimony with a shortened lunch break. Court proceedings were set to continue on Wednesday as a full day and Thursday as a half day, with no court session on Friday. The testimony began on Monday with Massachusetts State Police Lt. Kevin O’Hara, who detailed the team’s response to the scene on the day of O’Keefe’s death.
O’Hara recounted being contacted by a supervisor from the Norfolk County District Attorney’s state police detective unit to assist with an evidence search in Canton. Despite challenging weather conditions, the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) eventually responded to the scene. The team conducted a thorough search around the area where Read’s vehicle was believed to have been parked the night before.
During the search, the team discovered pieces of broken taillight and a sneaker, evidence that could link back to the case. The search concluded later that evening, with plans to resume during daylight hours for further investigation. Defense attorney David Yannetti questioned O’Hara’s account, highlighting the unsecured scene before the SERT arrival and the guidance provided by authorities during the search.
The trial continues to unfold as both sides present their arguments and evidence to the jury, seeking justice in the case of John O’Keefe’s tragic death.