Agitated Karen Read snaps at legal team as she stands trial in murder of Boston cop boyfriend John O’Keefe
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: Karen Read, 44, was seen rolling her eyes and snapping at her legal team following a witness’s emotional testimony, during the high-profile murder trial of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe.
On the 12th day of the trial at Dedham Superior Court in Massachusetts, Read faces second-degree murder charges for allegedly reversing her car into O’Keefe and leaving him to die.
However, Read maintains her innocence, asserting that she is being framed in a conspiracy involving various branches of Massachusetts law enforcement.
The 46-year-old Boston cop was found unconscious in a snowbank with skull fractures, swollen eyes, and hypothermia outside a house in Canton, 14 miles south of Boston, on the morning of January 29, 2022.
He was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy revealed that he died from hypothermia and head trauma.
Insights into John O’Keefe's death
Read's defense team argues that O’Keefe was killed during a fight at his friend Brian Albert’s home and that evidence has been mishandled or altered to implicate her.
The catalyst for the suspect's visibly sour reaction was the testimony of key witness Allison McCabe.
McCabe, the daughter of Jennifer McCabe, who discovered O’Keefe’s body with Read and another woman on the morning of January 29, gave tear-filled testimony.
She defended Colin Albert, whom Read’s legal team accuses of involvement in the fatal altercation at Brian's home.
Witness Allison McCabe defends accused Colin Albert
McCabe insisted that she picked up Colin and drove him home on the night of O’Keefe’s death, asserting he was not present at Brian's home during the alleged fight.
The college student broke down on the stand, describing the relentless harassment Colin has faced due to the accusations.
“Colin wasn’t at the house. He’s being harassed for … he was not at the house when John [O’Keefe] was there. I drove him home. People are harassing him saying he was at the house when it’s not true. … Constant phone calls. Emails. Awful messages,” she testified.
During the recess following McCabe’s testimony, Read conferred with her counsel, expressing her frustration by rolling her eyes, snapping her head back, and muttering angrily.
Text messages support Colin Albert’s alibi
After the break, the court reviewed text messages exchanged between Colin and McCabe on the night of January 28-29, 2022.
The messages revealed Colin requesting a ride from McCabe. At 11:45 PM, he texted, “U can get me now. If easier,” to which she responded, “ok I am driving ppl home now.”
Colin replied, “Word,” and then “Get me after.” At 12:10 AM on January 29, 2022, McCabe messaged him, “Here,” and he replied, “Ok.”
Following the review of these text messages, Colin testified that he left Brian's home about 30 seconds after McCabe texted him. He stated that he did not see O’Keefe that night.
Despite mounting arguments from the prosecution, Read's defense has steadfastly maintained her innocence, challenging key aspects of the case and highlighting alleged inconsistencies in the investigation.
