The second murder trial of Karen Read is set to begin next week, following a lengthy jury selection process that concluded with the selection of 18 jurors on April 15, 2025. Read, a Bristol County woman, faces serious charges in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, who was found dead outside a friend's house after a night out drinking in January 2022.
During the first trial, which took place in 2024, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial. This time around, the stakes are high as Read is charged with second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter while driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of a collision causing injury or death.
Prosecutors allege that Read, furious over O'Keefe's intention to end their relationship, intentionally struck him with her Lexus SUV in the driveway of a friend's home during a snowstorm. They argue that her actions were deliberate and motivated by anger. Conversely, Read's defense team contends that she merely dropped O'Keefe off at the house and that he was attacked and killed by someone inside before being left in the snow.
Read's case has garnered significant media attention, not only because of the tragic circumstances surrounding O'Keefe's death but also due to her claims of being the victim of a cover-up orchestrated by local and state police. She has maintained that authorities are framing her for the incident, a narrative that her defense team has vigorously pursued.
As the trial approaches, both sides have been preparing extensively. The Commonwealth has introduced new strategies, including bringing in defense attorney Hank Brennan to serve as a special prosecutor. Meanwhile, Read's defense team has expanded, now featuring Robert Alessi and even a juror from her first trial, alongside her original attorneys David Yannetti and Alan Jackson.
Notably, the prosecution's case has also seen changes. Michael Proctor, the lead investigator for the Massachusetts State Police, was terminated after the first trial due to revelations that he had sent inappropriate messages about Read to colleagues. This development has raised questions about the integrity of the investigation.
In the lead-up to the trial, both sides have broadened their witness lists, incorporating experts in various fields, including accident reconstruction, dog bites, and weather conditions, to bolster their respective cases. This strategic expansion indicates the high stakes of the trial and the complexity of the evidence involved.
With Good Friday and Patriots' Day approaching, the court will focus on any outstanding motions before the trial officially begins. Opening statements are scheduled for April 22, 2025, and NBC 10 has announced that they will provide comprehensive streaming coverage of the proceedings on their website and social media platforms.
As the community watches closely, the question remains: will this trial yield a different outcome than its predecessor? The legal battle ahead promises to be intense, with both sides gearing up for what could be a defining moment in Karen Read's life.
