Karen Read Retrial Continues in Dedham, Key Witness Testifies

The retrial of Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, by allegedly striking him with her SUV and leaving him to die in the snow, continues to draw widespread attention in Massachusetts. The case, following a previous mistrial, centers on conflicting accounts: prosecutors argue Read intentionally ran over O'Keefe after a night of drinking, while the defense claims he was attacked at a party and left outside during a blizzard. This week, Jennifer McCabe, a key prosecution witness and friend of O'Keefe, testified for three days, describing her presence at both the bar and the subsequent gathering and recounting the events leading up to O'Keefe's discovery. McCabe's testimony, scrutinized by both sides, was marked by extensive cross-examination, with legal analysts noting her composure and the importance jurors may place on her demeanor. Other testimony included a forensic scientist and a phone data analyst, as both prosecution and defense seek to clarify the timeline and circumstances of O'Keefe's death. Read has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of an accident causing death.