Karen Read’s Murder Trial: Evidence and Allegations Surface Again

DEDMAN, Massachusetts — The highly publicized murder trial of Karen Read began its second phase in April 2023, with the court scrutinizing evidence surrounding the death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe. Read, 45, faces charges of manslaughter, motor vehicle homicide, and leaving the scene of a deadly crash after O’Keefe was struck by her SUV on January 29, 2022.

Read’s defense team argues there has been a systematic cover-up by O’Keefe’s fellow officers. They allege that police botched the investigation and tried to frame Read for the murder. The lead investigator was dismissed for misconduct, casting doubt on the prosecution’s case.

During the first trial, which ended in a hung jury, suspicions were raised around several pieces of evidence, including a broken taillight and alleged Google searches by Read. The prosecution asserts these elements combine to paint a damning picture against her, whereas the defense disputes their validity.

O’Keefe, a 46-year-old veteran officer with 16 years of service, was well-regarded both professionally and personally. He was described in his obituary as a devoted family member who raised his niece and nephew after their parents’ deaths. At the time of his death, he lived in Canton, about 20 miles southwest of Boston.

Read, originally from Blacksburg, Virginia, was working in financial services before her arrest, where she also served as an adjunct professor at Bentley University. She has claimed innocence since her arrest on February 1, 2022, just days after O’Keefe’s death.

The second trial is projected to last up to eight weeks, with witness testimony already including family members and police officers involved in the case. Daily court sessions start at 9 a.m. ET at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts.