Tensions soared in the Karen Read trial as former Canton Police Officer Kelly Dever took the stand and dramatically recanted earlier statements about seeing key figures near Read’s SUV on the morning John O’Keefe was found dead. Dever, who was on duty but not directly involved in the investigation, had previously told the FBI she saw ATF Agent Brian Higgins and then-Canton Police Chief Kenneth Berkowitz lingering by Read’s vehicle for “an extraordinarily long time”—before investigators discovered taillight fragments linked to the case.
In court, Dever testified that she retracted her initial account after reviewing a timeline provided by the FBI, which showed she had already left work before Read’s Lexus arrived at the police station. Dever accused Read’s defense team of trying to coerce her into lying under oath, stating from the witness stand, “You threatened to charge me with perjury during our phone call prior to the first trial if I didn’t lie on the stand right now. I’m telling you, I did not see anything. Factually, I’ve been provided evidence by a timeline that it is not correct”.
The heated exchange underscored the defense’s strategy to cast doubt on the investigation into O’Keefe’s death, highlighting inconsistencies and alleged misconduct by law enforcement. Karen Read, who maintains her innocence, faces charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of personal injury and death. The trial continues with live testimony and intense scrutiny on both the investigation and the credibility of key witnesses.
