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The second trial of Karen Read commenced today with opening statements in the notable Massachusetts murder case. Read, who stands accused of fatally striking her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, with her SUV and abandoning him in the snow in Canton in 2022, is facing retrial less than a year after the first trial ended in a mistrial.
At 45 years old, Read is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in personal injury or death. She maintains her innocence on all counts, asserting that she is the victim of a conspiracy involving several individuals, including law enforcement personnel.
The jury, consisting of nine men and nine women, has been selected following a rigorous ten-day process. Notably, one of the alternate jurors from Read’s initial trial has joined her defense team.
How to follow the trial
The proceedings of Read’s trial are being streamed live from the Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham. Viewers can watch the trial on CBS News Boston or directly via the provided video player when the sessions commence at 9 a.m.
For a comprehensive timeline of the events surrounding the case, click here.
Opening Statements from the Karen Read Trial
Special prosecutor Hank Brennan, who previously represented notorious mob figure Whitey Bulger and is new to this case, delivered the opening remarks for the Commonwealth.
Brennan outlined the tragic circumstances of that night in Canton, detailing how firefighter and paramedic Timothy Nuttall responded to a call at 34 Fairview Road amidst severe weather conditions, only to find O’Keefe in the snow without vital signs.
“He looked up at Ms. Read and asked, ‘what happened? And you will hear her admit through firefighter Nuttall that she said, ‘I hit him, I hit him, I hit him,'” Brennan stated. “We are here today because John O’Keefe died as a result of actions taken by the defendant, Karen Read.”
Brennan informed the jury that critical evidence would include cellphone data, emphasizing the importance of the phone’s location information and battery temperature—an aspect not presented in the first trial.
Additionally, Brennan referred to a series of agitated voicemails Read left for O’Keefe after midnight. He highlighted a message at 12:59 a.m., in which Read expresses concern about O’Keefe’s whereabouts.
“This is where the narrative and potential cover-up begins,” Brennan asserted. “The evidence will indicate that she was aware of his location but failed to seek help or notify authorities. Instead, she abandoned him.”
To further underscore the prosecution’s case, Brennan played a clip from a Dateline interview with Read from October 2024, where she reflects on the incident. In the interview, Read contemplates whether she could have caused O’Keefe harm, remarking, “I didn’t think I hit him, straight up, but could I have clipped him?”
The defense’s opening statement was given by attorney Alan Jackson, marking a change from the previous trial where David Yannetti led the defense. Jackson asserted that the evidence will show that Read did not collide with O’Keefe.
“John O’Keefe did not die from being struck by an automobile. That’s unequivocal,” he stated. “The evidence will substantiate this claim as alluded to by data and scientific analysis.”
Jackson criticized the investigation into the case, alleging that it was flawed due to bias and incompetence. He specifically called out former Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor, who led the investigation, branding him as a detrimental figure who failed to pursue crucial evidence at the crime scene.
“You will notice how he allegedly fabricated details in his reports and testimony,” Jackson claimed, questioning Proctor’s motives and integrity. He concluded his remarks by urging jurors to acquit Read on all counts.
Notably, after the conclusion of the first trial, some jurors expressed uncertainty when discussing a potential acquittal on two of the charges against Read.
“Not guilty, not guilty, not guilty,” Jackson repeated, reinforcing his plea to the jury.
Next Steps in the Trial
Following the opening statements, the prosecution will start presenting witnesses. The prosecution and defense have lined up over 150 potential witnesses, though not all are expected to take the stand.
Key figures from the initial trial may testify again, including former Trooper Proctor, dismissed for his handling of the investigation, and Jennifer McCabe, known for her contentious search query regarding hypothermia.
Other witnesses include Brian Higgins, Brian Albert, and Colin Albert. The defense has insinuated that O’Keefe may have encountered fatal harm from a confrontation at Brian Albert’s residence, although the judge has prohibited the defense from suggesting that Colin Albert, a minor at the time, could be implicated in the situation.
For additional information about the key witnesses involved in the case, click here.
Schedule for the Karen Read Trial
The inaugural trial for Karen Read involved 29 days of testimonies over two months. The current retrial may progress more swiftly, as Judge Beverly Cannone intends to maximize the number of full trial days, in contrast to the half-day sessions often seen previously.
The court typically convenes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, with scheduled short breaks and an hour for lunch in between.
Early in the proceedings, the jury is expected to visit the crime scene at Fairview Road in Canton, although this visit will not be accessible for live viewing by the public.
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