In Dedham, Massachusetts, a high-profile murder case has resurfaced as Karen Read’s second trial commences. A prosecutor has pointed to Read’s own statements as pivotal evidence, potentially proving she was involved in the death of her boyfriend, a police officer named John O’Keefe, three years ago. The defense, on the other hand, maintains that the case against her is fraught with reasonable doubt.
Read stands accused of running over O’Keefe with her SUV in 2022 and subsequently abandoning him in the snow outside a house party in Canton, approximately 20 miles south of Boston. The charges against her include second-degree murder, manslaughter while driving under the influence, and leaving the scene.
Prosecutors allege that Read intentionally reversed her vehicle into O’Keefe after dropping him off at a fellow officer’s house, and that she found him deceased upon returning hours later. However, the defense contends that a police conspiracy is at play and suggests O’Keefe was actually beaten to death by another officer at the gathering.
Following a mistrial in the previous year, attributed to a jury deadlock, Read has reiterated her innocence, expressing confidence in her legal team. “I’m confident in the truth coming out,” she stated.
A significant change in this trial is the introduction of Hank Brennan as the lead prosecutor. Brennan, known for representing high-profile clients, effectively illustrated to jurors how facts and data would uncover the truth, emphasizing that Read’s words would corroborate the evidence.
The prosecution began with paramedic Timothy Nuttall’s testimony, recalling a frantic Read reportedly admitting, “I hit him. I hit him. I hit him,” at the scene. Brennan also showcased a television interview clip where Read mused over the possibility of accidentally injuring O’Keefe.
In contrast, the defense argues that Read never confessed, accusing the prosecution of misinterpreting her remarks. Defense attorney Alan Jackson depicted her statements as those of a confused and grieving partner. During cross-examination, Jackson questioned variations in Nuttall’s testimony concerning how many times Read allegedly said “I hit him.”
Jackson fervently argued the prosecution’s stance was a flawed narrative disconnected from reality, asserting that O’Keefe’s death was not a consequence of being struck by a vehicle—claims that forthcoming evidence, scientific analysis, and expert testimony will evidently refute.
Much like the first trial, which attracted significant public attention, the current proceedings feature the same witnesses, aggressive defense tactics, and fervent supporters of Read, who has gained a measure of celebrity status through documentaries about the case.
A showing of Read’s allies, displaying American flags, gathered near the courthouse, complying with regulations to keep a respectful distance from the proceedings. One supporter, Ashlyn Wade, expressed her conviction in seeking justice for Read, hoping for a conclusion that leads to her exoneration.
The prosecution appeared advantaged by a prior ruling that impedes the defense from attributing the blame to third parties during opening statements, although they can still develop arguments against two law enforcement officials implicated in Read’s narrative.
Despite these challenges, Jackson maintains that the defense’s primary requirement is proving reasonable doubt concerning Read’s alleged guilt, arguing the investigation was more about shielding “friends” than uncovering the truth.
Among the significant witnesses in the trial is former State Trooper Michael Proctor, whose less-than-sterling conduct during the investigation is a focal point of the defense’s strategy. Having been dismissed for inappropriate behavior, Proctor is portrayed as both the foundational and vulnerable element of the state’s case.
Another testimony came from Kerry Roberts, a friend of O’Keefe’s, who recounted a distressing call from Read following the party, and later joining her in the search for O’Keefe. Upon arrival at the house where O’Keefe was last seen, Read reportedly identified a body-like mound in the snow, leading to the harrowing discovery.