Opening statements in the highly anticipated second trial of Karen Read are set to begin on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts. Read, 45, is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of an accident causing death in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, on January 29, 2022.
The case has drawn significant media attention and public interest, as it unfolds more than three years after O'Keefe's death, which shocked the community of Canton. Prosecutors allege that Read intentionally backed her SUV into O’Keefe during a drunken rage following a night of bar-hopping, leaving him to die in the snow outside the home of a fellow Boston police officer.
According to prosecutors, Read’s actions were fueled by turmoil in their relationship. They claim she fled the scene and left O’Keefe, who was found outside in the snow, to die. However, Read's defense team argues that she is being framed, suggesting that those inside the home where O’Keefe was found are responsible for his death.
Read's first trial, which concluded in July 2024, ended in a mistrial after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict following several days of deliberation. Since that mistrial, Read has pursued a series of appeals, focusing on double jeopardy grounds, which has led her case to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court will discuss whether to take up her petition at a conference on April 25, 2025.
During the current trial, jury selection took place over ten days, culminating in a panel consisting of 18 jurors—nine men and nine women. The trial is expected to last between six to eight weeks, with proceedings starting each day at 9 a.m. and running until 4 p.m. Judge Beverly Cannone has implemented a 200-foot buffer zone around the courthouse to minimize disruptions from demonstrators, a measure taken after complaints from jurors in the first trial who reported being able to hear protests.
"This case has garnered significant attention, not just for the tragic circumstances surrounding O'Keefe's death, but also due to the complex legal battles that have ensued," said legal analyst Daniel Medwed. The defense team has expanded since the first trial, now comprising five attorneys, including Victoria George, an alternate juror from the previous trial, and Alan Jackson, who has represented high-profile clients in the past.
In contrast, the prosecution has brought in special prosecutor Hank Brennan, who has a notable history in high-profile cases, to lead their efforts against Read. Brennan has stated that they plan to use Read's own words against her during the trial, including recorded statements made during interviews.
As the trial begins, many questions remain about the evidence that will be presented. The prosecution's case hinges on various pieces of evidence, including a broken taillight with O’Keefe’s DNA found on it, along with witnesses who claim to have heard Read say, "I hit him" at the scene. The defense, however, will argue that O’Keefe's injuries could have resulted from other factors, including a possible attack inside the home where he was found.
Moreover, Read's legal troubles extend beyond the criminal trial. O’Keefe’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against her and the two bars where they had been drinking prior to the incident. A judge has delayed proceedings in this civil case until after the criminal trial concludes.
In a unique twist, the case has also attracted a significant online following, with numerous podcasts, YouTube videos, and social media discussions dissecting the details and implications of the trial. This has led to a surge of public interest and speculation as the trial unfolds.
As the opening statements approach, observers are keen to see how the strategies of both sides will evolve in this retrial. The defense is expected to reiterate its claims of a conspiracy against Read, while the prosecution aims to solidify its narrative of guilt based on the evidence presented.
With the trial set to begin, many are left to ponder the outcome, as the stakes are high for all involved. Not only does Read face serious criminal charges, but the implications of the case extend to her personal life and reputation, as well as the legacy of Officer O'Keefe.
As the courtroom fills and the proceedings commence, the eyes of the nation will be watching, eager to see how this dramatic legal battle unfolds.
