The Karen Read murder trial is nearing its conclusion after 31 days of testimony. Read is accused of backing her SUV into her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, and leaving him to die. The defense rested its case, and the prosecution has opted not to call rebuttal witnesses, concluding the testimony phase.
Key Developments in the Trial
One of the defense's key witnesses was biomechanical engineer Andrew Rentschler, who testified that O'Keefe's injuries were inconsistent with being struck by Read's vehicle with enough force to break the taillight. Rentschler also stated that he doesn't know when or how the plastic pieces ended up at the scene on Fairview Road and that none of the plastic pieces Brennan showed him were found at the time O’Keefe’s body was discovered in the snow.
During cross-examination, Rentschler acknowledged that the crash dummy testing his company performed had too many variables to be completely reliable. This concession came after a particularly contentious exchange with the prosecution.
Read's Perspective
Karen Read herself has stated that she believes her defense was stronger in this trial compared to the previous one, which ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury. Read did not testify in her own defense.
What's Next?
The jury will have a day off before returning to court for closing arguments. The judge and lawyers will convene to finalize the jury instructions before deliberations begin. The case remains complex, and the jury's decision will be closely watched.
- Closing arguments will be presented tomorrow.
- The jury will then begin deliberations.