Karen Read's Murder Retrial Continues, New Evidence Emerges

The second trial of Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend Boston police officer John O’Keefe by allegedly striking him with her SUV in 2022, began with both prosecution and defense presenting sharply contrasting theories. Prosecutors argue that Read, who had been drinking, hit O'Keefe and left him to die in the snow, citing witness testimony from paramedic Timothy Nuttall who recalled Read repeatedly admitting at the scene, 'I hit him.' The defense, however, insists there was no collision, introducing a new expert witness, Dr. Elizabeth Laposata, who is expected to testify that O’Keefe did not suffer from hypothermia as the prosecution contends, and that his injuries indicate he was harmed elsewhere and moved. Testimony from Read’s former friend Kerry Roberts recounted the discovery of O’Keefe’s body and noted damage to Read’s SUV. The first trial ended in a mistrial, and both sides claim that forensic evidence will support their version of events. The proceedings are ongoing with further witness testimony expected.