The high-profile Karen Read murder retrial reached a dramatic point on Day 26 as the defense continued presenting its case in Norfolk Superior Court, Dedham, Massachusetts. Read, accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, faces charges including second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of personal injury and death. Prosecutors allege she struck O’Keefe with her SUV after a night of heavy drinking and left him to die in the snow in January 2022.
Day 26 opened with the return of Dr. Marie Russell, a dog bite expert, to the stand. Russell, called by the defense, testified that O’Keefe’s injuries were consistent with a dog attack rather than being hit by a vehicle. The prosecution’s cross-examination challenged her findings, intensifying the courtroom atmosphere.
Midday, a motion for mistrial was filed by Read’s attorneys, accusing the prosecution of improper conduct. Judge Beverly Cannone denied the request, allowing proceedings to continue Later, Officer Nicholas Bar from the Dighton Police Department took the stand as a defense witness, following extended questioning of Dr. Russell..
The trial has been marked by contentious exchanges and allegations of witness intimidation. Earlier in the week, a former Canton Police officer claimed on the stand that a defense attorney pressured her to lie, a charge the defense strongly denied.
With the defense expected to call more witnesses in the coming days, the trial remains unpredictable. The stakes are high as the jury hears conflicting narratives about what happened the night O’Keefe died.
Watch the trial live on YouTube: ..
