Karen Read Trial Day 23: Key Testimony Shakes Up Murder Retrial

Day 23 of the Karen Read murder retrial brought pivotal developments as the Commonwealth continued presenting its case against Read, who is charged with second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a collision causing death in connection with the death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe..

The day’s proceedings featured extensive cross-examination of Judson Welcher, Ph.D., an accident reconstruction expert, focusing on evidence related to Read’s Lexus SUV and its alleged involvement in O’Keefe’s death. Judge Beverly Cannone ruled against the defense’s attempt to question witnesses about specific state troopers and forensic experts, narrowing the scope of cross-examination..

After the state rested its case-in-chief, the jury was dismissed, setting the stage for the defense to begin presenting its witnesses on the following day. The trial, which follows a 2024 mistrial, continues to draw significant public attention as both sides battle over forensic timelines and the reliability of new evidence introduced by the prosecution.

The live proceedings and daily trial updates remain available for viewers following this high-profile Massachusetts case.