Karen Read Murder Retrial Resumes as Prosecution Nears Case End in Boston

The Karen Read murder retrial resumed after a holiday break with the prosecution expected to call its final witness, biomechanical engineer Dr. Judson Welcher, before potentially resting its case. Read is accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O’Keefe, by hitting him with her SUV and leaving him to die during a snowstorm after a night of drinking. The prosecution has presented over 30 witnesses, including forensic analysts and medical experts, while the defense maintains that Read is being framed and suggests O’Keefe was fatally beaten by another officer in a police conspiracy. Some key witnesses, including officers Brian Higgins, Brian Albert, and disgraced investigator Michael Proctor, have not yet testified. The trial has seen interruptions, including a judge questioning jurors individually for unclear reasons. Read has expressed anxiety but confidence that the defense case will be more robust and reveal her side of the story.