A Massachusetts state trooper, previously dismissed for inappropriate text messages regarding defendant Karen Read, is set to testify again as Read faces a retrial for murder.
Read, 45, is accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, 46. The incident allegedly occurred on January 29, 2022, when Read reportedly backed her SUV into him, leaving him on the cold ground outside another officer’s home. O’Keefe was later found unresponsive in the snow and succumbed to hypothermia and blunt force trauma.
Following her arrest, Read was charged with second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter while under the influence, and leaving the scene of the accident. She has pleaded not guilty and insists she is innocent, claiming that law enforcement is trying to cover up for their own.
Defense lawyers argue that O’Keefe had confrontations with others that night and was attacked at a gathering before the tragic incident, which could shift blame away from Read.
After a nine-week trial in early 2024, the judge declared a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury. A new trial is scheduled to start on April 1.
Notably, former Trooper Michael Proctor, who led the investigation into O’Keefe’s death, is on the witness list. He was recently terminated for sending derogatory texts about Read, including wishing for her demise, which were read out loud in court.
This upcoming trial could attract even more media attention, especially after the release of a true crime docuseries detailing Read’s first trial experience.
Read’s legal team continues to challenge the decision for a retrial on the grounds of double jeopardy, arguing that they should not face multiple charges for the same incident. They recently took their appeal to a higher court, which denied their request to delay the trial. Jury selection is set for April 1.
