Federal agent Brian Higgins took the witness stand again on Tuesday, facing further questioning about his involvement with the defendant, Read. Higgins, an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, had previously testified that he had exchanged numerous text messages with Read in the weeks leading up to her boyfriend’s death. He even admitted that there had been a kiss between them.
During his testimony, Higgins faced inquiries from the defense regarding his decision to dispose of his phone after O’Keefe’s death, among other topics. The defense has alleged that Read is being framed for second-degree murder and asserted that O’Keefe was actually beaten to death during a party at the home of Brian and Nicole Albert.
Higgins is one of several individuals whom the defense has attempted to implicate in O’Keefe’s death. Last week, he underwent intense cross-examination that continued into Tuesday morning. Defense attorney David Yannetti took over questioning as his colleague Alan Jackson was absent from court that day.
Yannetti focused on Higgins’ text messages and the disposal of his phone. Higgins admitted that he may have destroyed the SIM card and disposed of it in a trash bag, possibly at a military base. He also acknowledged that by destroying his phone and its SIM card, he eliminated the text messages he had exchanged with the Alberts. Higgins explained that he had been working undercover extensively and had concerns about his personal cell phone number being available on the internet. He wanted to obtain a new number due to a separate investigation where an individual had obtained his contact information.
During redirect questioning by Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally, Higgins clarified that he did not see anything in Brian Albert’s yard after leaving the party on the morning of January 29, 2022. As someone with a background in emergency services, Higgins emphasized that if he had come across O’Keefe on the side of the road, he would have taken action to help him.
The cross-examination continued, with Yannetti asking Higgins if he was familiar with the term “consciousness of guilt.” Before Higgins could respond, Judge Beverly Cannone sustained an objection, preventing him from answering the question. Shortly after, Higgins concluded his testimony and promptly left the courtroom.
Following Higgins’ testimony, it was expected that O’Keefe’s niece and nephew would take the stand. The children had been under O’Keefe’s care since their parents’ passing and had been mentioned by multiple witnesses throughout the trial. However, a court order prohibited live streaming of the children’s testimony, and journalists were not allowed to share live updates from the courtroom during their testimonies.
As the trial continues, stay tuned to 7NEWS for the latest updates on this developing story.
