Karen Read Retrial Did the Prosecution Just Seal Her Fate?

Prosecution Rests Its Case in Karen Read Retrial: Defense Set to Present Its Case

After weeks of testimony and the presentation of a mountain of evidence, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has officially rested its case in the retrial of Karen Read. Read stands accused of the January 2022 death of her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, an off-duty Boston police officer, alleging she struck him with her vehicle and left him to die.

The prosecution, led by special prosecutor Hank Brennan, built its case by calling nearly **40 witnesses** to the stand. These included:

• Friends and family members of the victim, John O’Keefe
• First responders who arrived at the scene
• Investigators involved in the initial inquiry
• A range of expert witnesses who meticulously analyzed both digital and physical forensic evidence

The prosecution argues that Read intentionally killed O’Keefe. Their narrative claims she put her vehicle in reverse, accelerated to **24 miles per hour**, and struck O’Keefe outside a Canton, Massachusetts, home in the early hours of January 29, 2022.

The Defense's Opportunity

With the prosecution’s case concluded, the spotlight now turns to Karen Read's defense team. They will now have the opportunity to present their own witnesses and evidence, aiming to create reasonable doubt in the minds of the jurors and ultimately secure an acquittal for their client.

It’s important to remember that Read’s first trial ended in a mistrial after the jury declared they could not reach a unanimous verdict despite days of deliberation. In that trial, the defense presented a relatively brief case, calling only six witnesses, most of whom were experts.

However, Read has indicated that her defense team plans a more comprehensive approach this time around. According to CNN affiliate WCVB, Read told reporters last week that she expects her attorneys to present a “more robust” case than the first time. This, she said, will include “more witnesses” and be “broader and deeper.”

A Claim of a Cover-Up

The core of Read’s defense hinges on the claim that she is the victim of an elaborate cover-up. Her legal team alleges that other off-duty officers present inside the home where O’Keefe was found killed him and then conspired to frame Read for the crime. The extent to which this argument will be presented to the jury remains to be seen, but the defense is set to begin presenting its case on Friday.

In a pre-trial ruling, Judge Beverly Cannone determined that the defense could present evidence supporting its theory of a third-party culprit. This ruling acknowledged Read's right to a fair trial and allowed her to challenge the integrity and adequacy of the police investigation. The judge also ruled that the defense may seek a jury instruction regarding third-party culprits at the conclusion of testimony, though the ultimate admissibility of that evidence remains at the court's discretion.

As the defense prepares to unveil its case, the coming days promise to be crucial in determining the outcome of this high-profile retrial. The legal strategies employed, the evidence presented, and the arguments made will all play a pivotal role in shaping the jury's perception and ultimately deciding Karen Read's fate. The pursuit of justice, shrouded in complexity and intrigue, continues.

Tags: Karen Read, John O'Keefe, Massachusetts, Trial, Court, Crime, Boston Police, Murder, Case, Verdict, Hank Brennan, Beverly Cannone

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/29/us/karen-read-trial-prosecution-rests