Crime Lab Expert Testifies Blood Evidence in Karen Read Trial Was Never Tested

A forensic scientist working at the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab shared details at Karen Read’s murder trial about evidence found in red Solo cups that had not been tested in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe.

During the trial, testimony was given by O’Keefe’s niece, who O’Keefe was looking after following the deaths of her parents close together. Additionally, forensic experts who participated in the search of Read’s Lexus SUV and the subsequent analysis at the crime lab also provided testimony.

Maureen Hartnett, from the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab, testified about her findings which included broken glass, scratches, and a dent on the rear of Read’s vehicle. The examination also revealed the presence of blood and debris on O’Keefe’s clothing.

She also swabbed the evidence that Canton police collected in red Solo cups — although she testified that it had never been tested, and as a result she couldn’t even identify it as blood.

While prosecutors have shown photos of her broken taillight and investigators have testified that it played a role in their allegations against Read, her lawyers played a close-up video of her appearing to back into O’Keefe’s parked car before she and two other women found O’Keefe on the ground outside the Fairview Road house.

A group of people had been there the night before for an after-party following a night out drinking.

Read, speaking with reporters outside the courthouse, claimed she saw O’Keefe go inside the party before she left.

Other witnesses, testifying under oath, told jurors that he did not come inside.