Testimony resumed Wednesday in the second trial for Karen Read, who faces charges in the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe. A Massachusetts State Police trooper was among those testifying as proceedings continue. The Karen Read trial live stream provided public access to the day's events.
Proceedings on Tuesday included testimony regarding the search for evidence at the Canton home where O’Keefe was found and weather conditions during the night of his death. A meteorologist described heavy snow and low visibility during the storm.
State Police Trooper Nicholas Guarino testified Tuesday about data from cellphones, including voicemails Read left for O’Keefe on the morning he was found. In messages played for the jury, Read used strong language and accused O'Keefe of being with another woman. One message included Read yelling, "John, I expletive hate you!"
Other law enforcement officials who responded to the scene at 34 Fairview Road on January 29, 2022, also testified. Retired Canton Police Lieutenant Paul Gallagher recounted collecting evidence, including what appeared to be blood and a broken cocktail glass near where O’Keefe was found. He stated he did not conduct a search inside the home and did not see signs of a struggle there.
Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant Kevin O’Hara testified about his team's search for evidence hours after O’Keefe's body was discovered. His team located a sneaker and several pieces of red taillight in the snow near the curb at 34 Fairview Road. He described the snow as "undisturbed" in the search area upon arrival but acknowledged the scene was not initially secured with tape or barricades.Defense attorneys have argued that Read is being framed in a conspiracy involving law enforcement and individuals present at the Fairview Road home. They contend O’Keefe was beaten inside the residence, attacked by a dog, and left outside.The prosecution maintains Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV after dropping him off at the house during a blizzard and left him to die. They presented testimony about the condition of Read's Lexus SUV.
Questions arose during testimony regarding the handling of evidence and the initial investigation, particularly involving former State Police Trooper Michael Proctor, who was later fired from the force. A defense attorney asked Trooper Connor Keefe about Proctor's reports and analysis of surveillance video from a nearby bar.The trial, which is slightly ahead of the judge's schedule, is Read's second after a previous proceeding ended in a mistrial.
