DEDHAM – Testimony continues Friday in the Karen Lees murder trial and the prosecution is expected to rest its case before the day is out.
You can watch the testimonials live on CBS News Boston when it starts around 9 a.m. by clicking on the video player above.
The prosecution accuses Read of hitting and killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, with her car during a snowstorm on January 29, 2022. Defense attorneys argue that Read is the victim of a cover-up and that O’Keefe was actually killed during an argument in the house where he was found on the lawn.
Once the prosecution rests its case, lead defense attorneys Alan Jackson and David Yannetti will begin calling witnesses.
What happened on Thursday at the Karen Read trial?
Angry voicemails Read left for O’Keefe around the time of his death was played in court Thursday.
“John, I fucking hate you,” Read is heard shouting in the first voicemail left at 12:37 PM on January 29, 2022.
Dr. Renee Stonebridge of the Office of the Medical Examiner and Medical Examiner Dr. Irini Scordi-Bello also took the stand on Thursday.
Scordi-Bello was still on the stand when court ended for the day. She is believed to be the prosecution’s last witness. Scordi-Bello is expected to finish testifying on Friday, and the prosecution will likely rest when that happens.
Defense attorneys are expected to begin their case Friday and say closing arguments will likely be next week.
Will Karen Read take the stand?
Defense attorneys said earlier that if they get the case, they expect to call witnesses for about four full days. One important question remains to be answered: Will Read serve as a witness?
Read said June 13th she will do “What the lawyers tell me to do.” 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 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 trust them and their expertise and I will leave it to the lawyers.” .”
Who is Karen Read?
Read, a woman from Mansfield, Massachusetts, is charged with manslaughter, manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol, and leaving the scene of personal injury and death.
She was in a relationship with O’Keefe at the time of his death, although previous witnesses have testified about a deteriorating relationship.
Read has pleaded not guilty in the case.
