Jessica Hyde, a digital forensic expert, testified in the ongoing murder trial of Karen Read that a Google search regarding hypothermia on Jennifer McCabe’s phone occurred at 6:24 a.m., shortly after the discovery of John O’Keefe’s body. This contradicts assertions from Read’s defense, which claims that the search occurred hours earlier.
The testimony unfolded in Norfolk Superior Court, where Read faces charges for allegedly backing her SUV into O’Keefe, a Boston police officer, and leaving him to die. Hyde’s analysis indicated that the timestamp of 2:27 a.m. for the hypothermia search was unreliable, based on her digital examination of McCabe’s phone. She stated that the earlier timestamp could merely reflect when the web tab was opened, rather than when the search was actually conducted.
During cross-examination, Hyde explained the importance of using multiple forensic tools, as each one provides different perspectives on the data. She mentioned that using a Faraday bag—an enclosure to prevent external signals—when handling devices is a best practice to ensure data integrity.
Hyde also discussed her findings regarding O’Keefe’s phone movements, affirming it was active at 12:32 a.m. on January 29, 2022, before being locked thereafter. She clarified that this data points to the phone having recorded significant activity until the early hours of that day.
Given the complexities of digital forensics and the scrutiny involved in interpreting data, her testimony highlights the challenges faced by both the prosecution and the defense in establishing a clear timeline surrounding the events leading to O’Keefe’s death. As the trial progresses, the roles of technology and expert testimony will continue to shape the case’s outcomes.
As the case continues, it reflects broader implications about the intersection of technology with crime and justice, emphasizing the crucial role that digital evidence can play in legal proceedings.