Key Evidence Discussed in Karen Read Murder Trial on Day 12

DEDHAM, Mass. — Day 12 of the Karen Read murder retrial unfolded Thursday as digital forensics expert Jessica Hyde provided crucial testimony about the timing of a controversial Google search linked to Jennifer McCabe, a key figure in the case. Prosecutors say the search, allegedly made at 6:24 a.m. on January 29, 2022, is critical to their argument that Read was involved in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe.

Hyde, a forensics examiner from George Mason University, testified that McCabe’s search for “hos long to die in cold” occurred hours after O’Keefe’s body was found covered in snow outside a house party at 34 Fairview Road in Canton. The defense claims the search happened much earlier, at 2:27 a.m., which they argue supports their assertion that Read did not play a role in O’Keefe’s death.

During her testimony, Hyde noted the potential for misinterpretation of the 2:27 a.m. timestamp, explaining that it may refer to when the search tab was opened rather than when the search was actually conducted. “There’s a really scary danger that an untrained examiner might make that assumption,” Hyde said.

Hyde was questioned by special prosecutor Hank Brennan and defense attorney Robert Alessi regarding her findings. The defense found inconsistencies in Hyde’s report and claimed she failed to follow best practices isolating O’Keefe’s phone from the internet.

In the courtroom, footage was shown where Read addressed McCabe, stating, “Jen McCabe! It’s me or her. Either I’m going down, Jen, or you are,” a statement which the prosecution argues highlights Read’s potential guilt. Outside the courtroom, Read dismissed the implications of the video clip, asserting that context would soon emerge once her defense argument takes shape.

Jurors also heard from Massachusetts State Police Trooper Connor Keefe, who detailed evidence collection at the scene where O’Keefe’s body was found, including broken taillights and a black Nike shoe. Reiterating the defense’s stance, Keefe confirmed that various pieces of evidence pointed toward different scenarios surrounding O’Keefe’s death on that wintry night.

Karen Read, 45, of Mansfield, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. Following a mistrial in her previous attempt to address the charges, the ongoing retrial is of significant public interest and has drawn considerable media coverage.