Table of Contents

Jurors Visit Canton Home as Karen Read Retrial Begins in Officer’s Death

Dedham, Mass. — Jurors in the Karen Read murder retrial visited the Canton, Massachusetts, home Friday where Boston police officer John O’Keefe was found dead in 2022, marking the close of the trial’s first week.

Karen Read, 45, a former finance professor, is accused of hitting O’Keefe, her boyfriend, with her SUV during a snowstorm and leaving him to die. Her first trial earlier this year ended in a hung jury. Prosecutors allege Read struck O’Keefe in a drunken rage, while her defense argues she is the victim of a cover-up orchestrated by other first responders.

The visit to 34 Fairview Road was intended to help jurors better understand the evidence, including the location of a flagpole, a fire hydrant, and Read’s damaged Lexus SUV.

“We’ll be asking you to take a good look at that Lexus,” defense attorney David Yannetti told jurors before the visit.

On Friday, jurors also heard from Dr. Garrey Faller, who testified that Read’s blood alcohol level was .093% the morning O’Keefe was found — above the legal limit.

Karen Read Murder Trial — The Former Canton Home of the Albert’s Photo: Trulia

Karen Read: Tears and Texts: A Tense First Week
This week’s testimony included emotional moments from Peggy O’Keefe, John’s mother, who broke down on the stand, and a review of tense text messages exchanged between Read and O’Keefe in the hours before his death. Messages revealed growing strain in the couple’s relationship, with O’Keefe telling Read, “Things haven’t been great between us for a while.”

Other witnesses included a firefighter, a restaurant manager who provided surveillance footage of the couple drinking the night before the incident, and two of O’Keefe’s friends.

Defense attorneys for Karen Read have focused on pointing out inconsistencies between prior grand jury testimony, statements made at Read’s first trial, and testimony offered this week.

Karen Read: Key Contention Over “Last Words”
A flashpoint came during the testimony of Canton firefighter Jason Becker, who responded to the scene. Becker said Read mentioned her “last words” to O’Keefe involved an argument, but defense attorneys suggested she may have been referring to voicemails left earlier in the evening.

Prosecutors maintain Read intentionally hit O’Keefe and left him outside in the snow. She has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Karen Read: What’s Next?
Much of the critical testimony — including questions about the handling of the initial investigation — is still to come. Jurors are expected to hear from Michael Proctor, a Massachusetts state trooper and former lead investigator, who was later suspended for misconduct tied to the case.

Legal analysts say while the prosecution had a strong start, the defense will likely score points in the weeks ahead by highlighting investigative missteps.

The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks.

Karen Read Trial Update:

Date: The trial is set to continue next week, starting on Monday.
Key Events: The prosecution is expected to present additional evidence, including witness testimonies and forensic analysis. The defense will likely continue to challenge the credibility of the evidence and witnesses.
Public Interest: This trial has garnered significant public attention, so expect media coverage to be extensive.