Quick Read
- Karen Read’s second murder trial continues with testimony from a dog bite expert.
- Defense claims O’Keefe was attacked by a dog and framed by police.
- Prosecution alleges Read hit O’Keefe with her SUV, leaving him to die.
- The case has drawn national attention, with the first trial ending in a hung jury.
- Day 26 focuses on expert analysis of O’Keefe’s injuries and the role of a German Shepherd.
The second murder trial of Karen Read, accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend John O’Keefe in 2022, entered its 26th day on June 3, 2024, with a dog bite expert resuming her testimony. The case, which has captivated true crime enthusiasts nationwide, centers on conflicting narratives: the prosecution alleges Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV, while the defense claims he was attacked by a dog and framed by law enforcement.
Defense’s Dog Bite Theory Takes Center Stage
Marie Russell, a defense expert in dog bite analysis, returned to the stand on June 3 to reinforce her earlier testimony. On June 2, Russell had stated that the injuries on O’Keefe’s arm were consistent with canine claws and teeth. She described the wounds as “incomplete dog bites,” which did not penetrate the full thickness of the skin. Russell’s analysis is critical to the defense’s argument that O’Keefe was attacked by a German Shepherd named Chloe, who lived at the home where his body was found.
Prosecution’s Case: A Fatal Collision
The prosecution, which rested its case on May 31, contends that Read backed into O’Keefe with her Lexus SUV at approximately 25 mph during a historic blizzard on January 29, 2022. They argue that the impact caused O’Keefe to hit his head on the hard ground, leading to his death. Crash reconstruction expert Judson Welcher testified earlier that the injuries were consistent with a vehicle collision, a claim Russell disputed.
Allegations of a Police Conspiracy
Read’s defense team has accused law enforcement of orchestrating a cover-up. They allege that O’Keefe was beaten by another officer, attacked by the dog, and then left outside in freezing temperatures. Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator, has been accused of attempting to conceal the crime. The defense’s narrative has sparked widespread debate, with many taking sides in this high-profile case.
National Attention and a Hung Jury
The trial has drawn significant media attention, with CourtTV providing live coverage since early 2022. Read’s first trial ended in a hung jury in 2024, and her second trial is now in its seventh week. The case has become a focal point for discussions about police accountability and the complexities of forensic evidence.
What’s Next in the Trial?
As the trial progresses, the defense is expected to call additional witnesses to support their theory. The prosecution, meanwhile, will continue to challenge the credibility of the defense’s experts. With both sides presenting compelling arguments, the jury faces the difficult task of determining what truly happened on that snowy January night.
The Karen Read trial underscores the challenges of unraveling complex forensic evidence and the intense scrutiny faced by high-profile cases. As the proceedings continue, the nation watches closely, awaiting a verdict that could have far-reaching implications.