The second murder trial for Karen Read, a US woman accused of killing her police officer boyfriend, John O’Keefe, has commenced. The case alleges that Read intentionally struck O’Keefe with her SUV outside a party in Canton, Massachusetts, in January 2022, and left him to succumb to the elements. In the opening statements, the prosecutor asserted that Read’s own comments would substantiate the evidence against her, while the defence dubbed the case a “definition of reasonable doubt.”
Read faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder and manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence. Prosecutors contend she deliberately reversed into O’Keefe after dropping him off at a colleague’s house and returned later to find him dead in the snow. Conversely, the defence argues that Read is a victim of a wider police conspiracy and claims another officer may have fatally beaten O’Keefe at the party.
A mistrial was declared in the previous attempt due to jurors being unable to reach a unanimous decision. Since then, Read has maintained her innocence, expressing trust in her legal team.
The new trial differs in that it features a new lead prosecutor, Hank Brennan, a former defence attorney with experience in high-profile cases. Brennan opened with the claim that the evidence and data would expose the truth, presenting testimony from a paramedic who recalled Read melancholically declaring “I hit him.” The defence countered that Read’s statements were misinterpreted and that her challenging situation merely reflected a grieving partner trying to grasp a tragedy.
Both sides face hurdles, notably a pretrial ruling that prevents the defence from mentioning alternative suspects in their arguments. This ruling limits how they can construct their narrative around the events that transpired.
Despite this setback, the defence remains confident, with Jackson, Read’s attorney, emphasising the weak foundation of the prosecution’s claims and vowing to demonstrate that O’Keefe did not die as a result of being struck by Read’s vehicle.
The trial has garnered significant public interest, featuring many of the same witnesses as the previous trial and strong backing from Read’s supporters, many of whom rallied outside the courthouse. Throughout the proceedings, the defence plans to highlight alleged flaws in the investigation conducted by former State Trooper Michael Proctor, who led the case prior to his dismissal for misconduct.
As the trial unfolds, it will continue to draw media attention due to the serious nature of the charges and the competing narratives presented by the prosecution and the defence. With emotional testimonies expected and a dedicated support base, the case could influence public perception of both Read and the judicial process involved.