The trial of Karen Read, accused of murdering her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, continued on Tuesday. The session was held without the jury to allow for the voir dire of three expert witnesses for the defense, who may testify later.
Karen Read’s Defense and Charges
Read, 44, from Mansfield, has pleaded not guilty to charges including second-degree murder following O’Keefe’s death. Prosecutors allege that after a night of heavy drinking, Read backed over O’Keefe with her Lexus SUV, leaving him to die in a snowstorm outside a home on Fairview Road in Canton, in January 2022. The defense contends that O’Keefe was killed. By someone inside the house. Later thrown into the snow.
Dr. Marie Russell’s Testimony
Dr. Marie Russell, a retired emergency room doctor and forensic pathologist, was the first expert witness to be questioned. With nearly three decades of experience at Los Angeles General Medical Center, including time spent as a police officer in Malden, Russell has reviewed O’Keefe’s injury photos, autopsy, and toxicology reports.
Russell testified that the cuts and scratches on O’Keefe’s arm were more consistent with an animal attack, specifically a large dog, rather than a motor vehicle accident. “These injuries, in my opinion, are the result of an animal – bites or scratches. Most likely a dog, a large dog,” Russell stated, asserting her high degree of medical certainty.
Judge’s Instructions and Prosecution’s Objections
Judge Beverly Cannone indicated uncertainty about when Russell would be called to testify before the jury, assuring her that the court would inform her as soon as possible. Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally sought to block Russell’s testimony, arguing that she was introduced too late in the case. Cannone instructed Lally to find a rebuttal witness, which Lally agreed could be done within a week.
Dr. Daniel Wolfe’s Accident Reconstruction Analysis
Next, the defense called Dr. Daniel Wolfe from ARCCA, a private accident reconstruction firm. Wolfe, specializing in accident reconstruction, human factors, and lighting, reviewed police reports, crime scene photos, autopsy images, and data related to Read’s SUV. Wolfe concluded that O’Keefe’s injuries did not appear to result from a car strike. “The damage on the car was inconsistent with having made contact with John O’Keefe’s body,” Wolfe stated, reaffirming that the car did not hit O’Keefe.
Dr. Andrew Rentschler’s Biomechanical Perspective
Dr. Andrew Rentschler, another expert from ARCCA specializing in biomechanical engineering, was the third witness. Rentschler explained his task was to analyze how O’Keefe’s injuries occurred from a biomechanical standpoint. His work included crash and sled tests, focusing on the nature of the injuries O’Keefe sustained.
Court’s Next Steps and Scheduled Break
Judge Cannone will determine the extent of the testimonies from Russell and the accident reconstruction experts. The trial is paused for the Juneteenth holiday on Wednesday. And will resume on Thursday.
Earlier Testimonies and Evidence
Earlier, Massachusetts State Police Trooper Joseph Paul faced scrutiny over his qualifications after testifying that Read’s SUV was traveling as fast as 24 mph in reverse when it allegedly struck O’Keefe. Additionally, Trooper Nicholas Guarino read text messages exchanged between Read and O’Keefe, suggesting a strained relationship.
Forensic DNA analyst Tess Chart and her colleague Nicholas Bradford testified that O’Keefe’s DNA was found on taillight pieces matching Read’s SUV. Pieces of the broken taillight were found on the lawn after the snow melted.
Prosecution’s Timeline and Defense Strategy
The prosecution aims to conclude its case by the end of the week, after which the defense will present its arguments.
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