'They never entered my house': Owner of home where John O'Keefe was found testifies in Karen Read's trial

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

DEDHAM, MASSACHUSETTS: The Canton couple who were homeowners of the property pivotal to the Karen Read murder trial testified in court.

Brian and Nicole Albert have been under intense public scrutiny for several months as they resided in the Fairview Road home where Boston Police officer John O'Keefe's body was discovered, according to NBC Boston.

Prosecutors allege that Read killed her boyfriend, O'Keefe, by striking him with her SUV in front of the Canton pair's Fairview Road home during a January 2022 snowstorm.

The 44-year-old has been charged with second-degree murder in his death. 

Her defense team has asserted the possibility of a cover-up, potentially implicating Brian, a retired Boston police officer. They claim O’Keefe was beaten inside the Fairview Road house, bitten by a dog, and then abandoned outside.

The Alberts testified on Friday, May 10, during the second week of the trial proceedings at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham.

Retired Boston Police officer Brian Albert recounts events from the fateful night

On Day 9 of Read’s murder trial, Brian took the stand. He recounted being in New York on Friday, January 28, 2022, attending the funeral of a New York City police officer killed in the line of duty, before driving back to Canton that same evening.

Brian detailed returning to town, stopping at the Waterfall Bar & Grill after speaking with his wife, Nicole. He mentioned his brother Chris, sister-in-law, and several friends, including Jennifer and Matthew McCabe, were already there upon his arrival. He added that O'Keefe and Read arrived later.

Brian shared that he socialized with O'Keefe and engaged in various conversations throughout the evening. "Everybody was in a great mood. People were getting along. It was friends and family. It just seemed like a great night," said the ex-Boston police officer about the bar's atmosphere.

Brian stated that he, along with his wife Nicole and their daughter Caitlin, were among the first to leave the bar, accompanied by his friend Brian Higgins. They supposedly returned him to host a gathering to celebrate their son's 23rd birthday.

Brian Albert says selling his house had absolutely nothing to do with John O'Keefe's death

Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally then presented surveillance footage from the Waterfall, which had been shown to several witnesses during the trial's second week.

Lally's questioning transitioned to Brian's recollection of events upon returning home, including letting their dog Chloe out into the backyard and a relaxed birthday celebration for their son Brian Jr.

Brian stated, "We were wishing Brian a happy birthday and everything was going great."

Further, Brian recalled checking in with the remaining guests, including Higgins, before retiring upstairs to watch TV and unwind. He noted briefly rejoining the party downstairs before ultimately heading back upstairs.

When asked about O'Keefe or Read visiting their home, Brian affirmed, "John O'Keefe and Karen Read never entered my house."

Later in the night, when he was asleep, Brian's sister-in-law apparently informed him of O'Keefe's death, prompting him to speak with responding officers who were present downstairs.

Higgins and Julie Albert, known for bringing birthday treats, were also contacted.

Brian refrained from going outside once O'Keefe's body was discovered, respecting the ongoing investigation amid the snowstorm. 

He claimed, "There was a snowstorm at that point. They were trying to conduct an investigation and I didn't want to interfere with it or have anything to do with it."

Brian later spoke with state police troopers at his sister-in-law's house.

Regarding their residence on Fairview Road, Brian confirmed discussions about selling the house had occurred prior to O'Keefe's death. He noted, "It was post-COVID, the housing market seemed really good and my brother Chris had sold his house."

When questioned if selling the house had anything to do with the January 2022 incident, Brain said, "Absolutely not."