In Dedham, Massachusetts, the murder trial of Karen Read continues to unfold as key witness Jennifer McCabe takes the stand, recounting the harrowing events leading up to the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, in January 2022. Read, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including second-degree murder and manslaughter while operating under the influence, is accused of striking O’Keefe with her SUV and leaving him to die in the snow after dropping him off at a party.
On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, McCabe returned to the courtroom for her second day of testimony, having previously detailed the chaotic hours surrounding O’Keefe’s death. The prosecution has painted a picture of Read as a woman who drunkenly backed her vehicle into O’Keefe while he was outside a home in Canton, Massachusetts, during a snowstorm. Prosecutors allege she then abandoned him, leaving him to succumb to the elements.
McCabe, who was with Read when they discovered O’Keefe unresponsive on the snowy lawn, testified that she received a frantic call from O’Keefe’s niece at 4:53 a.m. on January 29, 2022, with Read screaming in the background. Describing Read as “hysterical,” McCabe recalled how Read repeatedly asked, “Could I have hit him? Did I hit him?” This moment has become pivotal in the trial, raising questions about Read’s state of mind and the events that transpired that night.
During her testimony on Tuesday, April 29, McCabe described the atmosphere at the Waterfall Bar & Grille in Canton, where friends and family had gathered to celebrate before the storm hit. Read and O’Keefe arrived around 11 p.m. and were expected to join the group at the Albert home on Fairview Road after midnight. However, McCabe testified that neither of them ever made it inside the house.
As the night progressed, McCabe noted a dark SUV parked outside, which she believed belonged to Read. Despite texting O’Keefe to ask if he and Read were coming inside, he never responded. Around 1:30 a.m., McCabe and her husband left the party, expecting to see Read and O’Keefe arrive shortly thereafter.
Just before 5 a.m., McCabe received the alarming call from O’Keefe’s niece, prompting her to join the search for O’Keefe. She testified about the moment they found his body outside the Albert home, recalling how she was “frozen” and “shocked” to see him lying there in the snow. “I couldn’t believe that it was him lying there,” she said, as she called 911.
Read’s defense has argued that she is a victim of a conspiracy involving law enforcement and party guests, suggesting that O’Keefe was killed by someone inside the home and that Read was framed. They have pointed to McCabe’s testimony and her controversial Google search about how long it takes someone to die in the cold as evidence of a larger plot against Read.
On Tuesday, McCabe testified that she had not previously searched for information about hypothermia or the effects of cold weather on the human body. This detail has been scrutinized by the defense, who contend that her search indicated foreknowledge of O’Keefe’s fate.
As the trial progresses, Judge Beverly Cannone has issued stern warnings to the defense regarding their conduct, stating, “No more nonsense. Let’s just try this case.” This comes amid concerns about the handling of evidence and the potential for a fair trial amidst the accusations of conspiracy.
The prosecution has brought in cell phone experts to analyze O’Keefe’s phone records, which indicate that he never left the vicinity of the Albert home after arriving with Read. This evidence is crucial as it contradicts the defense’s claim that O’Keefe was attacked inside the house and later dumped outside.
McCabe’s testimony is expected to continue, with the prosecution aiming to solidify their case against Read. As the trial unfolds, the courtroom remains tense, with both sides preparing for a lengthy cross-examination of McCabe.
With the first trial ending in a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury, the stakes are high for both the prosecution and the defense. Read maintains her innocence, asserting that she did not hit O’Keefe and that the truth will come out.
As the trial continues, many are watching closely to see how the testimonies, evidence, and legal arguments will impact the outcome of this high-profile case. The community remains on edge as they await justice for John O’Keefe, a beloved member of the Boston police force.
