The Karen Read murder trial has captivated Massachusetts as explosive new allegations suggest police may have conspired to frame the 44-year-old for her boyfriend's death.
Read stands accused of second-degree murder in the January 2022 death of Boston police officer John O'Keefe, whose body was found outside a colleague's home after a night of drinking. Prosecutors claim Read struck O'Keefe with her Lexus SUV and left him to die in a snowstorm.
Defence Alleges Police Conspiracy
In a dramatic courtroom twist, Read's defence team presented evidence suggesting a possible police cover-up. Their key claims include:
- Missing surveillance footage from the crime scene
- Alleged destruction of digital evidence
- Conflicting statements from officers present that night
"This isn't just reasonable doubt - this is an orchestrated effort to pin this on an innocent woman," defence attorney David Yannetti told jurors.
Prosecution's Case Under Scrutiny
Forensic experts for the prosecution maintain that O'Keefe's injuries match being struck by a vehicle. However, the defence has challenged this with their own medical testimony suggesting the wounds could have resulted from a violent altercation inside the home.
The trial has divided the quiet town of Canton, where supporters of both Read and the police department gather daily outside the courthouse. With the jury expected to begin deliberations next week, legal analysts predict this case may have lasting implications for police accountability in Massachusetts.
