Date Set for Karen Read’s Murder Trial: March 12, 2024
After a night of drinking in January 2022, Karen Read finds herself at the center of a highly anticipated murder trial. She stands accused of fatally injuring her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, by backing into him with her SUV. The trial, scheduled to begin on March 12, 2024, has garnered significant attention.
Supporters Rally for Karen Read
Outside the Norfolk County Superior Court, more than 100 supporters, bearing signs that read “Free Karen Read,” gathered to show their solidarity. David Yannetti, Read’s defense attorney, argued for the dismissal of her $80,000 bail, stating that she would surrender her passport and is unlikely to flee, given her high profile as “one of the most recognizable criminal defendants in America.”
The Prosecution’s Allegations
According to prosecutors, an argument between Read and O’Keefe led to her dropping him off at the home of another officer, Brian Albert, in Canton, Massachusetts. Tragically, O’Keefe was backed into by Read’s SUV, leaving him unconscious during freezing temperatures amid a blizzard. The defense, however, contends that O’Keefe was assaulted in the home’s basement after being dropped off, and a German shepherd family dog injured his right arm.
The Controversial Case
This case has captured national attention, particularly due to the defense’s claims of a widespread conspiracy to frame Read for O’Keefe’s death. Read has entered a plea of not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter while driving impaired, and leaving the scene of an accident causing personal injury and death.
Yannetti confidently asserted, “There will be no conviction because the evidence establishes her innocence. There’s no jury anywhere who will ever vote to convict her for a crime she did not commit.”
Legal Battles Over Evidence
Read’s legal team accuses the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office of withholding crucial evidence, including O’Keefe’s clothing and taillight pieces found at the scene. The defense finds this unacceptable and unconstitutional.
Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally rebuffed these claims, stating that evidence is undergoing testing at the state crime lab, and once completed, it will be made available to the defense.
DNA Testing Controversy
One contentious issue centers around DNA testing on what was initially claimed to be human hair found on Read’s back bumper, likely from O’Keefe. However, it turns out that no human DNA was detected. The defense argued that this contradicted earlier claims, while prosecutors countered that there was an insufficient amount of detectable skin cells at the root for DNA analysis.
Upcoming Court Dates
The judge ordered prosecutors to complete testing by November 3 and set a two-week deadline for providing information regarding police searches at the Canton home. The defense is also seeking video footage from a Nest camera in the home on the night of January 29, 2022, although the homeowner has asserted that the camera was not operational.
Karen Read is scheduled to appear in court next on December 8.