Judge Denies Mistrial in Karen Read Retrial

The retrial of Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend and Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe in January 2022, has featured defense challenges to prosecution evidence and allegations of evidence tampering. A police officer testified to observing less damage on Read’s SUV taillight before impoundment, raising doubts about evidence integrity. Forensic expert Dr. Marie Russell supported the defense’s theory that O’Keefe’s injuries were caused by a dog attack, not a vehicle collision. The judge denied defense motions for a mistrial and to dismiss the case, despite disputes over new DNA evidence and testimony admissibility. Karen Read has not ruled out testifying, though her defense team has prepared jury instructions indicating she may not take the stand. The case remains high-profile, drawing national attention due to its conflicting narratives and claims of a police cover-up.