In the ongoing retrial of Karen Read, jurors visited the Canton, Massachusetts, home where Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe was found deceased on January 29, 2022. The visit aimed to provide the jury with a clearer understanding of the crime scene's layout and its relevance to the case.​

Read, 44, is accused of intentionally striking O’Keefe with her Lexus SUV and leaving him to die in the snow following a night of drinking. She faces charges of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death. This retrial follows a previous mistrial in 2024 due to a hung jury.​

During the jury's visit, they observed Read's Lexus SUV parked at 34 Fairview Road, the residence where O’Keefe's body was discovered. Prosecutors highlighted the vehicle's position and the surrounding area to emphasize the circumstances of the alleged incident. The defense, however, contends that O’Keefe was not struck by the vehicle and suggests alternative theories regarding his death.​

Karen Read, who is accused of the second-degree murder of her cop boyfriend John O’Keefe in January 2022 has returned to court for her retrial. Picture: AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Following opening statements from the prosecution and defence on April 22, the 18-person jury – made up of nine men and nine women – were presented an extensive text exchange between Mr O’Keefe and Ms Read just hours before he was found dead in the snow on that cold night in January 2022.

State Police Trooper Nicholas Guarino read messages between the pair that were displayed on a screen in a PowerPoint presentation, NBC reported.

“Sick of always arguing and fighting,” O’Keefe wrote, according to Police Trooper Guarino’s testimony.

“It’s been weekly for several months now. So yeh I’m not as quick to jump back into being lovie dovie as you apparently.”

“I know your heart isn’t in this anymore,” Read replied. “I’ve felt it for awhile and esp lately. I am willing to try more but not if you approaching the point of Indifference.”

Mr O’Keefe’s body was found in the snow with Ms Read accused of running him over in her SUV. Picture: Supplied

The trial continues to unfold, with both sides presenting evidence and testimonies to support their respective claims. The jury's visit to the crime scene is a crucial step in understanding the events leading up to Officer O’Keefe's tragic death.


(Wafric News)