High-profile trial of Karen Read begins in Norfolk Superior Court
Karen Read, a Massachusetts woman, is standing trial for the alleged murder of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe. The incident occurred on January 29, 2022.
Prosecutors argue that Read hit O'Keefe with her car outside a home in Canton during a snowstorm following a night of drinking. However, the defense claims that Read is being framed and someone else is responsible for O'Keefe's death.
The trial has drawn significant attention due to its high-profile nature and the involvement of law enforcement. It is expected to last several weeks.
7NEWS, WCVB, Boston Globe, NBC Boston, and Associated Press are providing live coverage from the courtroom as well as continuing coverage on air, online and in their respective apps.
The defense team includes David Yannetti and Adam Lally. The prosecution is being led by Norfolk County Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone.
During the trial's opening statements, the prosecution presented evidence that O'Keefe died from head trauma and hypothermia. The defense argued that O'Keefe's injuries were not consistent with being hit by a vehicle but rather an attack by an animal.
The defense also accused investigator Michael Proctor of having 'deep ties' to the Albert family, who own the home outside which O'Keefe's body was found. Proctor did not go into the house on the day of O'Keefe's death or check for blood evidence or signs of a struggle.
An internal investigation by Massachusetts State Police is connected to the Read case regarding Proctor's conduct.
The defense entered the courtroom with her attorneys and family members wearing pink as a show of support. Read supporters assembled outside the buffer zone.
Several jurors were taking notes during the trial, and during a break, Read's defense attorney Yannetti spoke with her father for a few minutes.