Karen Read, a resident of Mansfield, Massachusetts, is currently on trial for second-degree murder charges after allegedly hitting her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, with her SUV and leaving him to die outside a Canton home. The prosecution rested its case on Friday after calling over 60 witnesses, while the defense called six witnesses before resting their case on Monday. On Tuesday, the jury heard closing arguments from both the defense and the prosecution.
During the defense’s closing argument, attorney Alan Jackson accused law enforcement officials of repeatedly lying while testifying and claimed that Read was being framed. He suggested that Brian Higgins, an ATF special agent and key witness in the trial, may have had romantic feelings for Read and could have been involved in beating O’Keefe. Jackson argued that O’Keefe’s death was unintentional and resulted from a series of events, including a push or punch, a fall, and an attack by a dog. He also pointed out that a snow plow operator had seen a car similar to Albert’s near the location where O’Keefe’s body was found and highlighted inconsistencies in the evidence against Read, such as a cracked tail light that was not shattered when she left O’Keefe’s home.
Additionally, Jackson questioned the credibility of Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor, who was assigned as the homicide detective in the case. He accused Proctor of covering up details and planting evidence to implicate Read. Jackson referenced the testimony of former San Bernardino County chief medical examiner Dr. Frank Sheridan, who stated that O’Keefe should have had more bruising if he was struck by an SUV. According to Jackson, the scientific evidence supports the defense’s claim that O’Keefe was beaten rather than hit by a car.
In contrast, during the prosecution’s closing argument, Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally played voicemails from Read to O’Keefe, highlighting their troubled relationship. He presented a timeline of events leading up to O’Keefe’s death, including text messages and the consumption of alcohol. Lally emphasized the frozen state of O’Keefe’s hair, which was found on the bumper of Read’s car, suggesting that it had been attached by the snow. He also questioned the defense’s theory that Brian Albert, the owner of the Canton home where O’Keefe was dropped off, was involved in the murder. Lally argued that it made no sense for Albert to leave the body on his own lawn if he were the criminal mastermind behind the crime.
After the closing arguments, Judge Beverly Cannone provided instructions to the jury and reminded them of Read’s charges, which include second-degree murder, manslaughter while driving drunk, and leaving the scene of an accident causing serious injury or death. The jury began deliberations with twelve members, consisting of six men and six women. Two women were selected as alternate jurors.
The trial has garnered significant attention, with daily recaps available for those interested in following the proceedings. As the jury now deliberates, it is crucial for them to carefully consider the evidence presented and reach a fair and just verdict. The outcome of this case will have a profound impact on both Karen Read and the family of John O’Keefe, as they seek justice and closure. The public awaits the jury’s decision as this developing story continues to unfold.
