Expert in defense undermines prosecution theory in Karen Read murder trial as case approaches conclusion

In Karen Reed’s murder trial, a crash reconstructionist took the stand on the 29th day of the proceedings. The defense is getting ready to conclude its case this week.

Karen Reed is facing allegations of causing the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. The incident involved her 2021 Lexus LX 570 SUV allegedly hitting him on January 29, 2022, and leaving him injured in severe weather conditions.

Before jurors arrived, Judge Beverly Cannone heard motions regarding rebuttal testimony and to preclude or limit expert witnesses.

There will be an additional hearing to determine what Dr. Elizabeth Laposata, a forensic pathologist from Rhode Island and a professor at Brown University, will be allowed to testify in front of the jury.

Her defense maintains that her vehicle never struck O’Keefe and that his injuries were caused in some other manner after she left.

Read could face life in prison if convicted of the top charge. Jurors deadlocked at her first trial last year on the same charges.