Murder Trial of Karen Read, Accused of Killing Boston Police Officer, Begins in Dedham

DEDHAM, Mass. – The murder trial of Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend who was a Boston police officer, has commenced in Dedham. Prosecutors allege that Read fatally struck Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe with her SUV and abandoned him during a snowstorm in 2022. O’Keefe’s lifeless body was discovered outside another Boston Police Officer’s residence.

According to the defense attorneys representing Read, she is the victim of a police conspiracy to frame her for the crime. They argue that O’Keefe met his demise inside the fellow officer’s home following a dispute, and his body was subsequently moved outside.

Read has entered a plea of not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence, and leaving the scene of a collision. The trial is shaping up to be a contentious legal battle, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives of the events leading to O’Keefe’s tragic death.

The courtroom proceedings are expected to delve into the details of the night in question, shedding light on the relationship between Read and O’Keefe, as well as the circumstances surrounding the incident. The outcome of the trial will hinge on the ability of the prosecution and defense to sway the jury with their respective arguments and evidence.

As the trial unfolds in Dedham, observers are closely monitoring developments in the case to see how the evidence and witness testimonies will shape the ultimate verdict. The tragic nature of O’Keefe’s death has cast a somber shadow over the proceedings, underscoring the gravity of the charges faced by Read.

With emotions running high in the courtroom, both sides are preparing to present their strongest case in pursuit of justice for the victim and closure for his loved ones. The trial is expected to continue for an extended period as the legal teams meticulously examine every aspect of the case to ensure a fair and impartial resolution.