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4w ago

Karen Read Retrial to Begin April 1 as Legal Motions Conclude

The contentious case involving the death of Boston police officer John O'Keefe moves forward with unresolved disputes over evidence, defense strategies, and courtroom procedures.

By the end of the first trial, supporters of the prosecution wearing blue countered the Read supporters in pink.
Rita Lombardi, cheers on fellow Karen Read down the street from the Norfolk County Superior Courthouse.
John O'Keefe died after suffering blunt-force trauma and hypothermia, an autopsy said.
Dedham, MA - August 9: Karen Read arrives at Norfolk Superior Court for a hearing to dismiss murder charges against her. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Overview

  • Karen Read's retrial for the alleged second-degree murder of John O'Keefe is set to commence on April 1, following the conclusion of pretrial hearings on March 25.
  • Judge Beverly Cannone is expected to rule on key motions, including the defense's request to present a third-party culprit theory and the prosecution's call for an expanded buffer zone around the courthouse.
  • Prosecutors allege that Read, after a night of drinking and arguing with O'Keefe, ran him over with her car, while the defense claims O'Keefe was beaten inside a colleague's house and his body staged outside.
  • The case remains highly polarized, with demonstrations by supporters of both Read and O'Keefe's family outside the courthouse, raising concerns about potential jury influence.
  • The retrial follows a mistrial in July 2024, where a deadlocked jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict after contentious deliberations.