Karen Read’s Murder Trial Continues with Testimony from Accident Expert

DEDHAM, Mass. — Testimony resumed Friday in the retrial of Karen Read, who is charged with second-degree murder in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O’Keefe. The trial, taking place in Norfolk Superior Court, was paused Thursday amid ongoing discussions about witness testimony and courtroom conditions.

Read, 45, is accused of backing her Lexus SUV into O’Keefe during a snowstorm on January 29, 2022. Prosecutors allege she left him for dead outside a house party after a night of drinking. Read has pleaded not guilty and maintains she did not cause O’Keefe’s death.

On Friday, defense witness Dr. Daniel Wolfe, director of accident reconstruction for the firm ARCCA, took the stand. Wolfe, who also testified in Read’s first trial, discussed his qualifications and past cases involving pedestrian accidents. He stated that injuries O’Keefe sustained did not align with those typically caused by a vehicle striking a person.

“I’ve seen hundreds of collisions and various types of accidents,” Wolfe testified, emphasizing the importance of objective evidence and physics in analyzing such cases. He was initially hired by the Justice Department to investigate the incident but was later retained by Read’s defense.

The defense contends that O’Keefe was severely beaten inside the home where the party took place and was possibly attacked by a dog before being left outside. In a previous trial, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial.

Witnesses in Read’s retrial have included those who observed O’Keefe the night prior to his death, with some stating they saw nothing unusual when passing the area where his body was later found. The defense argues that a police conspiracy was at play.

The retrial, now entering its eighth week, brings in various expert testimonies. As the courtroom proceedings continue, Read’s defense team anticipates wrapping up their case as early as next week.