Karen Read Trial Resumes Amid Controversial Evidence and Testimonies

DEDHAM, Mass. (AP) — The high-profile trial of Karen Read has entered its 11th day in a Massachusetts courtroom, with proceedings slightly ahead of schedule. The case revolves around Read’s alleged role in the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, in January 2022.

Read, 45, faces charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol, and leaving the scene of personal injury and death. Her first trial ended in a mistrial last year due to a hung jury.

Prosecutors argue that Read struck O’Keefe, 46, with her SUV after dropping him off at a party and left him to die in the snow during a blizzard. However, Read’s defense claims that she is being framed and that another individual inside the home where the party took place might have been responsible for O’Keefe’s death.

Massachusetts State Police Trooper Connor Keefe was the first witness to testify Wednesday. He described the evidence collection at the scene, including pieces of red taillight and O’Keefe’s missing shoe that were recovered from 34 Fairview Road, the home owned by fellow officer Brian Albert.

Retired Canton Police Lt. Paul Gallagher also provided testimony regarding the site of the incident, covering the methods used to collect evidence. He faced aggressive cross-examination from Read’s defense attorney, Alan Jackson, who challenged the accuracy and handling of evidence during the investigation.

Prosecutors subsequently played recordings of angry voicemails that Read left for O’Keefe in the hours before he was found dead. They presented these alongside detailed testimony about the weather conditions on the night of his death, described as a “classic nor’easter.”

“The ground would have been made impenetrable due to freezing temperatures and heavy snow,” meteorologist Robert Gilman testified.

Throughout the proceedings, there has been substantial focus on digital evidence from O’Keefe’s phone. State police Trooper Nicholas Guarino testified about the extensive calls made by Read to O’Keefe before he was discovered, which included several angry voicemails.

Defense attorney David Yanetti has questioned the credibility of the investigation, raising doubts about why police did not search Brian Albert’s house, and why certain crucial evidence was not documented or collected according to proper procedures.

As jurors absorbed testimonies from both sides, Judge Beverly J. Cannone mentioned that the trial was proceeding faster than anticipated, with more witnesses expected to take the stand in the upcoming days.

“This trial has attracted widespread attention, and it’s important we address all evidence thoroughly,” Judge Cannone remarked as the session closed for the day.