Canton, Massachusetts – The murder trial of Karen Read is currently underway in Norfolk County Superior Court, with jury selection anticipated to conclude by Monday. The case has captured the attention of the small town of Canton, located just south of Boston, as the community awaits the outcome.
Karen Read, an equity analyst and college professor at Bentley University, faces charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol, and leaving the scene of personal injury and death in connection to the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe. Despite the allegations, Read maintains her innocence and has pleaded not guilty to all charges since the grand jury indictment.
The prosecution and defense present starkly different narratives of the events leading up to O’Keefe’s death on January 28, 2022. Both sides agree that the couple was out drinking that night and visited the home of another Boston police officer, Brian Albert, for a nightcap. However, details of what transpired afterwards remain contentious.
Prosecutors argue that O’Keefe and Read had a strained relationship, citing voicemails and witness accounts of their frequent arguments. According to the prosecution, O’Keefe sustained blunt force injuries before succumbing to hypothermia after being hit by a car and left in the snow. Meanwhile, Read’s defense team contends that she is being framed, pointing fingers at Brian Albert and Jennifer McCabe as potential perpetrators.
The unfolding trial has brought to light a complex web of relationships and events surrounding O’Keefe’s death, with allegations of witness intimidation, deleted cell phone records, and conflicting testimonies. As the legal proceedings progress, Judge Beverly Cannone presiding over the case, with Adam Lally leading the prosecution and attorney Alan Jackson representing Read.
The trial, expected to last six to eight weeks, has attracted supporters of both parties, while O’Keefe’s family members endure ongoing harassment. With opening statements on the horizon, the community awaits the resolution of this high-profile case that has gripped Canton, Massachusetts.