Prosecutor Seeks to Prevent Defense from Shifting Blame in Karen Read Murder Trial

The special prosecutor leading the second murder trial of Karen Read, who stands accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend John O’Keefe, made a last-minute appeal in court on Friday. The prosecutor aims to block the defense from implicating fellow police officers or a dog during the defense’s opening statements, set for next week.

On the cusp of the retrial, assistant district attorney Hank Brennan submitted a concise two-sentence motion. This filing argues that the defense’s plan to present photos depicting injuries to O’Keefe’s right arm might breach a previous court order. This order prohibits the defense from attributing Read’s actions to anyone other than her before laying out a valid evidence basis.

Brennan stated, “The Commonwealth moves for an order that defense counsel refrain from claiming in their opening statement that any of the victim’s injuries were caused by any person or animal that was inside the home at 34 Fairview Road.” He further noted that the defense’s request to showcase the victim’s arm abrasions could infringe upon the court’s directive, which precludes any mention of third-party culpability claims until appropriate evidence supports them.

Background of the Case

According to prosecutors, O’Keefe was found dead outside a Canton, Massachusetts, home after attending an after-party with some fellow law enforcement officers and their spouses following a night out on January 28, 2022. The dramatic events that unfolded that night are central to the ongoing trial.

Read faces charges for allegedly striking O’Keefe with her Lexus SUV during a heated argument while under the influence. After the collision, she reportedly left the scene, where O’Keefe was discovered in a lifeless state on the front lawn of Boston Police Officer Brian Albert on January 29.

Officer Albert had hosted a gathering that evening, which included a German shepherd named Chloe. This dog now plays a significant role in the defense strategy, as there are implications surrounding its involvement in the events leading up to O’Keefe’s death.

Evidence and Expert Testimonies

O’Keefe’s cause of death was confirmed as severe head trauma and hypothermia, exacerbated by injuries to his hands and right arm. These details set a vital foundation for both the prosecution and the defense as they prepare for the trial.

Just a day prior to the latest court filing, Judge Beverly Cannone denied a prosecution request to exclude a defense expert specializing in dog bites. Furthermore, she partially approved a defense motion aimed at limiting the testimony of a prosecution expert on the same subject. This back and forth highlights the tension surrounding expert evidence in the trial.

Dr. James Crosby, testifying for the prosecution, is permitted to discuss dog bites in general but cannot specifically exclude Chloe, the German shepherd, from his analysis. This detail marks another intricate layer to the developing story as the trial progresses.

Legal Maneuverings and Appeals

Read has consistently maintained her innocence and pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. Her initial trial ended in a hung jury last year, leaving the case unresolved. Since then, she has filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the partial, unannounced results of the first trial. This legal maneuver could potentially lead to the dismissal of two of the three charges she currently faces.

Looking Ahead to Opening Statements

The rescheduled opening statements for the retrial are set to commence on Tuesday, generating heightened interest in the case. The legal community and the public alike remain eager to witness how both sides strategize and present their arguments moving forward.

As this high-profile case unfolds, it highlights the complexities of the legal system and the interplay between prosecution and defense. With an array of emotional testimonies and expert analyses on the horizon, observers are keenly anticipating the trial’s developments.