Prosecutors seek limits on defense claims in Karen Read retrial

Ahead of Karen Read's retrial for the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, prosecutors have asked the judge to prohibit the defense from suggesting in their opening statement that O'Keefe's injuries were caused by anyone or any animal inside the home where he died. The defense alleges O'Keefe was beaten and possibly bitten by a German Shepherd inside the house, then left outside, while prosecutors argue Read struck him with her SUV and left the scene. Judge Beverly Cannone has previously ruled the defense cannot mention third-party culprit theories in opening statements unless they first establish an evidentiary basis during the trial. Prosecutors specifically want to block the defense from showing injury photos in the opening to imply a dog attack or blame others present in the house. The defense, however, plans to pursue a third-party culprit strategy during the trial and has listed dog bite experts to support their claims, while prosecutors will counter with their own experts. Jury selection for the retrial is complete and opening statements are scheduled for Tuesday.