Closing arguments set for Friday in Karen Read’s second trial over cop’s death
After 31 days of intense testimony, the fate of Karen Read is now in the hands of the jurors as they prepare to deliberate her role in the death of Boston cop John O’Keefe, her former boyfriend. The closing arguments are scheduled for Friday morning, marking the culmination of a long and emotional trial.
Read, 45, stands accused of allegedly clipping the 46-year-old O’Keefe outside a house party and leaving him to die on the ground during a blizzard on Jan. 29, 2022. Her defense team vehemently denies that a collision ever took place, suggesting instead that O’Keefe was attacked by someone at the party and possibly by a dog.
Judge Beverly Cannone denied the defense’s second motion for a finding of not guilty on Thursday, paving the way for deliberations to begin. The trial has seen a wealth of evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense, each side painting a different picture of what transpired that fateful night.
The prosecution, led by special prosecutor Hank Brennan, focused on key pieces of evidence to make their case against Read. They pointed to taillight fragments found in O’Keefe’s clothes, suggesting that they matched Read’s vehicle. Experts testified that a glancing vehicle strike caused O’Keefe to fall and sustain a fatal head injury. Phone data also aligned with the prosecution’s timeline, and witnesses claimed that Read repeatedly confessed to hitting O’Keefe.
Brennan’s case also centered around the timing of a Google search made by Jennifer McCabe, a key witness in the trial. The search for “how long to die in the cold” was made shortly after the incident, adding weight to the prosecution’s argument.
On the other side, Read’s defense team, comprised of top lawyers from Boston, New York City, and Los Angeles, argued vehemently against the prosecution’s claims. They contended that the crash never occurred and presented a robust defense based on scientific evidence.
The defense experts disputed the prosecution’s claims, stating that the injuries sustained by O’Keefe were more likely caused by dog bites rather than a vehicle collision. They also criticized the police investigation, claiming it was riddled with errors and mishandling of evidence.
As the trial nears its conclusion, the stakes are high for Karen Read. If convicted on the top charge, she could face 15 years to life in prison. The jury’s decision will ultimately determine her future and the outcome of this tragic case. As the legal drama unfolds, all eyes are on the courtroom as the final chapter of this gripping trial comes to a close.
