The testimony from witnesses in the second trial for the murder case of Karen Read has been delayed today, as per a statement from a court representative citing “unavoidable circumstances.”
As reported by USA Today, Jennifer Donahue, a spokesperson for Massachusetts state courts, communicated through email that the court session scheduled for Tuesday was deferred without elaborating further on the reasons behind the postponement.
It was anticipated that prosecutors would present their next witness in the trial following the conclusion of testimony by Massachusetts State Trooper Yuri Bukhenik on May 12, after his three-day appearance on the witness stand. During his testimony, Bukhenik informed the court that suspicions arose concerning Read, aged 45, allegedly striking her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, with her vehicle in January 2022, originating from a broken taillight.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Read allegedly dropped O’Keefe off at the home of retired Boston police officer Brian Albert after a night of drinking, then struck him with her Lexus SUV before she drove away. His body was later found in a snow bank with head injuries and signs of hypothermia.
Read told police she dropped O’Keefe off around midnight and later grew concerned when he stopped responding to her texts and calls. By morning, she and two others returned to the home and found his body in the snow, bloodied and partially buried near the front lawn.
Read allegedly told first responders, “I hit him. I hit him. I hit him,” but later claimed she was repeating what others suggested.
Prosecutors argued that her statements, along with damage to her vehicle and O’Keefe’s injuries, support the theory that she struck him during a failed three-point turn.
The defense argued that a cover-up began shortly after O’Keefe’s death. Read’s attorneys claimed someone inside the Albert home may have assaulted O’Keefe and left him outside, and that evidence was either mishandled or suppressed to protect people with ties to law enforcement.
Read has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
Check back for updates.
