Karen Read Trial Nears Conclusion as Defense Calls Final Witness

Dedham, Massachusetts – Karen Read returned to court Tuesday as her retrial in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, moves closer to conclusion. The defense has called its final witness, Dr. Andrew Rentschler, an expert in biomechanics, to testify about the circumstances of O’Keefe’s death.

Prosecutors allege that Read, after a night of drinking, struck O’Keefe with her Lexus SUV and left him to die outside a house party during a severe blizzard on January 29, 2022. Rentschler, who works for the crash reconstruction firm ARCCA, discussed how the forces involved in a collision affect the human body. The firm was initially engaged by the federal government but is now working for Read’s defense.

During his testimony, Rentschler argued that a collision at 15 miles per hour between a crash dummy and a taillight like that of Read’s vehicle would not have caused a skull fracture. He stated, ‘As a biomechanist, I look at the human body and assess how much force needs to be applied to cause specific injuries.’

His testimony contradicts the prosecution’s claims, as earlier witnesses suggested that injuries suffered by O’Keefe were consistent with a fall rather than a collision. Rentschler indicated that signs of trauma, such as scratches on O’Keefe’s arm, might be due to a dog bite rather than an impact with the car.

Read informed reporters that she would not be taking the stand in her own defense, which sparked discussions among legal observers. Grace Edwards, who is following the trial, commented, ‘It’s the sole decision of the defendant whether to take the stand. In this case, Karen would face rigorous cross-examination.’ Edwards noted that questioning about Read’s alcohol consumption could jeopardize the defense’s progress.

The trial, which has seen a variety of expert witnesses on both sides, will proceed with Rentschler expected to continue his testimony before the defense rests its case.