Overview

• Karen Read faces her second trial on charges of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter, and leaving the scene in the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe.
• Special prosecutor Hank Brennan presented evidence including vehicle data, a broken taillight, and DNA linking Read’s SUV to the incident, while highlighting her alleged intoxication and anger on the night in question.
• The defense, led by Alan Jackson, argued that O’Keefe was beaten and left outside by others at the party, pointing to investigative errors and the dismissal of lead investigator Michael Proctor for misconduct.
• Witness testimony began with a paramedic recounting Read’s alleged statement, 'I hit him,' at the scene, though inconsistencies in prior testimony were raised during cross-examination.
• Judge Beverly Cannone has limited the defense’s ability to implicate specific third-party suspects, allowing them to develop evidence against two individuals but barring mention of others named in the first trial.