The high-profile retrial of Karen Read, accused of second-degree murder in the 2022 death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe, is on hold today, with no testimony scheduled. Judge Beverly Cannone gave the jury Thursday off due to expected high temperatures and concerns about courtroom conditions, confirming that the trial is ahead of schedule and will resume Friday for a full day of proceedings.
On Wednesday, the defense continued to build its case, calling key witnesses including Brian Loughran, a snowplow driver, and Karina Kolokithas, a friend of O’Keefe’s who was with both Read and O’Keefe the night before his death. The defense maintains that Read is the victim of a police conspiracy, arguing that O’Keefe was beaten by another officer and attacked by a dog before being left outside in the snow.
Recent testimony included expert opinions supporting the defense’s theory, but prosecutors countered with new DNA evidence, challenging the claim that a dog was involved The trial, now in its sixth week, is expected to see the defense wrap up its case as early as Tuesday next week.
Courtroom watchers can expect more pivotal testimony when proceedings resume, as both sides continue to contest the circumstances surrounding O’Keefe’s death.
