Overview

• Opening statements commenced today in Karen Read's retrial, with a panel of 18 jurors seated after three weeks of selection.
• Read faces charges of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter, and leaving the scene in connection to the death of her boyfriend, Boston officer John O’Keefe.
• Prosecutors allege Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV in 2022, while the defense argues she was framed and points to investigative misconduct.
• Judge Beverly Cannone has limited the defense's ability to name certain third-party suspects in opening statements, though related theories may be introduced later in the trial.
• Special Prosecutor Hank Brennan, known for representing Whitey Bulger, leads the prosecution in this retrial, expected to last six to eight weeks.