Karen Read trial autopsy expert details skull fractures in O’Keefe examination
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During the murder trial of Karen Read for the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, a medical examiner testified that O’Keefe’s cause of death was a head injury and hypothermia. However, the manner of death, whether it was homicide, accidental, or otherwise, could not be determined.
Dr. Irini Scordi-Bello, a forensic pathologist, conducted the autopsy on O’Keefe and found that he had died from head trauma and hypothermia. The primary cause of death was the blunt impact to his head, which resulted in multiple skull fractures and brain bleeding. Additionally, O’Keefe’s body temperature was significantly lower than normal when he arrived at the hospital.
The medical examiner described the external and internal injuries found on O’Keefe’s body, including cuts, bruises, and fractures. She explained that the injuries were consistent with a fall backward and landing on frozen ground, but found no signs of grass on the back of his head.
During cross-examination, defense attorney Robert Alessi questioned the hypothermia finding and the internal injuries to O’Keefe’s stomach and pancreas. He suggested that factors other than freezing temperatures could have caused these injuries, such as a device used during CPR or alcohol consumption without taking antacid medicine.
Despite an amended death certificate, O’Keefe’s manner of death remained undetermined. The toxicology report showed no drugs in his system, only a high blood alcohol level and a prescription for antacid medication to prevent ulcers.
The defense raised concerns about new expert testimony from Aperture, received late in the trial, which they argued could jeopardize their case. Judge Beverly Cannone did not make a decision on the matter before adjourning court for the day.
Karen Read faces life in prison if convicted of the most serious charge in the death of John O’Keefe. Stay updated on this trial by signing up for the True Crime newsletter and following the Fox True Crime team.
