In the ongoing murder trial of Karen Read, the defense is presenting its case, which includes expert testimonies aiming to challenge the prosecution’s assertions. On Friday, crash reconstruction expert Matthew DiSogra was introduced as the first defense witness, seeking to contest the findings of prosecutors’ experts regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe.
O’Keefe was found unresponsive near a home in Canton after a night out, and Read is accused of running him over with her SUV. Her defense maintains that O’Keefe was not struck by Read’s vehicle but rather that he suffered fatal injuries inside the home of a fellow officer, suggesting there may have been foul play involved.
During the trial, officer Kelly Dever provided testimony, expressing that she had never been interviewed by any law enforcement agencies regarding the case until she was contacted by federal investigators in August 2023. This is notable considering that federal inquiries have been opened regarding the state’s initial handling of the investigation. Dever’s assertion that she saw individuals present at the crime scene was later recanted, citing the influence of media reports on her recollections.
Furthermore, the testimony introduced offensive text messages from former State Police investigator Michael Proctor, who was terminated after his derogatory remarks about Read came to light. These messages raise concerns over the potential biases in the investigation against Read, as the judge allowed these texts to be admitted as evidence, arguing that they could reflect on Proctor’s state of mind and the investigation’s integrity.
Amidst all these developments, the trial continues into the second day of defense witness presentations, with medical expert Dr. Marie Russell expected to testify that some of the injuries sustained by O’Keefe may align more closely with dog bites rather than being struck by a vehicle.
With the defense poised to introduce multiple expert testimonies and challenge the prosecution’s narrative, there’s a glimmer of hope for Read. The court’s examination of the evidence, including potential biases in the investigation, could lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the events that unfolded that night. The trial underscores the complexities surrounding legal proceedings and the importance of thorough investigations in ensuring justice is served.