Karen Read is returning to court Tuesday for a motions hearing ahead of her retrial on second-degree murder charges in the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. The case has captured widespread attention, marked by allegations of foul play, contentious expert testimony, and a mistrial last summer.
Prosecutors allege that Read, 43, drove drunk after a night out and struck O’Keefe, 46, with her car before leaving him to die in a snowbank near his Canton home. Read’s defense, however, claims she is being framed by investigators, casting doubt on the credibility of the case against her.
“We have evidence of a rushed and incomplete investigation,” said Read's attorney. “Karen Read is innocent, and we intend to prove this in court.”
The upcoming Daubert hearing, a critical step in the pretrial process, will examine the admissibility of expert testimony. One key witness is Dr. Marie Russell, who previously testified about injuries O’Keefe sustained, including dog bites, raising questions about the timeline and circumstances of his death.
During the first trial, Dr. Russell's analysis of wounds on O’Keefe’s body played a pivotal role in the defense's argument that the injuries may not have been caused by Read’s vehicle. Prosecutors, however, counter that the evidence overwhelmingly supports their theory of the crime.
“The evidence shows a tragic but clear sequence of events: Karen Read struck John O’Keefe with her vehicle and left him in the snow,” said a representative for the Commonwealth.
The case has been mired in controversy since the beginning. Critics have questioned the investigation's integrity, while supporters of both O’Keefe and Read have expressed frustration over delays and legal wrangling. The mistrial declared in July 2024, stemming from undisclosed issues during jury deliberations, added another layer of complexity.
Despite the contentious nature of the case, Read maintains her innocence. “This has been a nightmare, but I believe the truth will come out,” Read stated in a previous court appearance.
The motions hearing is expected to address procedural matters and the scope of evidence admissible in the retrial, which is scheduled for later this year. Both the prosecution and defense are preparing for a high-stakes trial that could ultimately hinge on expert testimony, forensic evidence, and competing narratives.
As the legal battle continues, the case remains a focal point of public and media interest, drawing attention to issues of justice, law enforcement, and accountability.
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