Karen Read’s retrial, tied to the death of John O’Keefe, is approaching its critical conclusion, potentially closing a significant chapter for Read, the victim’s relatives, and numerous witnesses who have testified. Throughout the proceedings, Massachusetts prosecutors and Read’s legal team collectively presented 49 witnesses in an effort to unravel the mystery of what transpired outside 34 Fairview Road in Canton, Massachusetts, in the early hours of January 29, 2022.
The prosecution argues that Read, under the influence, accidentally hit her boyfriend with her Lexus SUV and abandoned him in the snow. In contrast, Read’s defense maintains there was no vehicular collision and suggests she has been framed in a deeper conspiracy.
Read faces charges including second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter under the influence, and leaving an accident scene that led to a fatality, all to which she pled not guilty.
Witness testimonies shed light on crucial aspects posed by each perspective. Jennifer McCabe disclosed during cross-examination that she received a frantic call from Read and remembered Read telling a first responder, “I hit him.” Meanwhile, Brian Loughran, testifying for the defense as a snowplow operator, stated he did not notice any body outside the residence in those early morning hours.
This high-stakes legal drama now awaits its final act, with the fate of all involved hanging in the balance.