Karen Read says she didn’t notice O’Keefe-Higgins bar confrontation before death

Karen Read faced a barrage of questions from reporters as she left the courtroom following the playback of a video showing her late boyfriend, John O’Keefe, and ATF Agent Brian Higgins engaging in a heated exchange at a bar in Canton, Massachusetts. Despite the intense interaction captured on camera, Read maintained that she was not paying attention to the altercation.

“The video speaks for itself,” Read stated as she made her way to a waiting SUV. When asked if she believed O’Keefe and Higgins were at odds, she replied, “It appears that way.”

The video footage, played during Read’s second trial for O’Keefe’s murder, showed Higgins gesturing aggressively towards O’Keefe while another man, identified as Chris Albert, intervened by grabbing Higgins’ arm. The incident occurred shortly before O’Keefe’s death, in which Read is accused of striking him with her SUV and leaving him to die in a blizzard outside Albert’s brother’s home.

Despite the footage suggesting a potential altercation between O’Keefe and Higgins, Read claimed she was preoccupied with her conversation with witness Karina Kolokithas at the Waterfall Bar and Grille where the incident took place.

During her testimony, Kolokithas mentioned witnessing a peculiar interaction between Jennifer McCabe, who is related to the homeowner where O’Keefe’s body was discovered, and Read as they were leaving the bar. However, she did not mention any confrontation between O’Keefe and Higgins.

While Read’s defense team has denied that her vehicle struck O’Keefe, prosecutors have presented evidence suggesting that taillight pieces found on O’Keefe’s clothes matched those from Read’s Lexus. Additionally, witnesses testified that after O’Keefe’s body was found, Read repeatedly uttered, “I hit him. I hit him. I hit him.”

Throughout the trial, Read has been portrayed as engaging in a flirtatious relationship with Higgins behind O’Keefe’s back. Although Higgins was not charged with a crime, the prosecution has hinted at a potential motive for Read’s actions.

As the trial continues, both the defense and prosecution are presenting evidence and witness testimonies to unravel the events leading to O’Keefe’s tragic death. The outcome of the trial remains uncertain as the courtroom drama unfolds, shedding light on the complex web of relationships and events surrounding O’Keefe’s untimely demise.