DEDHAM – The Karen Lees The murder trial will resume on Thursday. A Massachusetts State Police trooper is believed to have examined John O’Keefe’s cellphone after his body was found on the lawn of a Canton home.
You can watch the testimonials live on CBS News Boston when it begins by clicking on the video player above.
Massachusetts State Police Trooper Nicholas Guarino, who investigated multiple phones and computers linked to the case, was on the stand Monday for direct questioning as court ended for the day.
On Tuesday, attorneys interviewed three potential defense witnesses without jurors in the room. There was no hearing on Wednesday due to the Juneteenth holiday.
The prosecution still has the last witnesses in the trial and could rest its case before the week is out.
Read is accused of hitting O’Keefe with her SUV on January 29, 2022, leaving him to die in the snow. Defense attorneys allege that Read was framed by several people, including law enforcement officers.
Judge allows doctor’s testimony about alleged dog attack
Before the jury entered the courtroom Thursday, Judge Beverly Cannone ruled that retired emergency physician Dr. Marie Russell may testify for the defense. She will testify that she believes injuries to O’Keefe’s arm were consistent with a dog attack.
Cannone also ruled that Dr. Andrew Rentschler, an expert in crash reconstruction, will be limited in his testimony. Cannone said she is concerned about a biomechanical engineer testifying about a victim’s injuries, but questions about his testimony will be asked again next week.
Will Karen Read take the stand?
The defense said earlier this month that when it does get the case, it is expected to take about four full days. Now that it will soon be the defense’s turn, many are wondering whether Read himself will be called as a witness.
WBZ-TV asked first Read more June 13th when she goes to testify and says, “Whatever the lawyers tell me to do, I will do and I’m willing to go either way.” On TuesdayRead was asked after court whether she had thought about taking the stand.
“I did that. I would like to fill in some gaps and correct some lies, but it’s up to the lawyers and they’ll probably call at 11 o’clock and I’ll either be there or I won’t. I’ll explain it to them,” Read said . “I am an outspoken person and I have never been able to stand up for myself in my defense except when it matters most. I have to rely on them and their expertise and I will leave it to the lawyers.” .”
Who is Karen Read?
Karen Read is from Mansfield, Massachusetts, a woman who was dating O’Keefe at the time of his death. According to testimony in the case, the couple had a strained relationship.
On January 29, 2022, Read dropped O’Keefe off at a house party at 34 Fairview Road in Canton, which at the time was owned by now-retired Boston police officer Brian Albert.
When O’Keefe didn’t come home, Read and two other women went over to look for him. They found O’Keefe dead, covered in snow outside Albert’s house.
First responders on the scene later stated that they heard Read say, “I hit him,” although attorneys have disputed these statements.
Read is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol, and leaving the scene of personal injury and death. She has pleaded not guilty.
