Karen Read trial: Defense zeroes in on officer's decade-old relationship with homeowner's kin as allegations of bias surface

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

CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS: In the ongoing Karen Read murder trial, the defense has intensified its focus on Canton Police Lt Michael Lank's connections to the Albert family, who own the property where John O’Keefe’s body was discovered.

Attorney Alan Jackson's questioning has delved into Lt Lank's interactions with the Alberts, particularly referencing a 2002 incident involving his intervention in a dispute on behalf of homeowner Brian Albert’s brother Chris Albert.

Insights into Karen Read trial

The trial of Read reconvenes on Tuesday after a day filled with testimony from Canton police officers who were at the scene on Fairview Road when O’Keefe was discovered unresponsive in the snow. Read, aged 44, stands accused of fatally striking O’Keefe with her SUV — her boyfriend and a Boston police officer — in January 2022.

Prosecutors contend that she recklessly hit O’Keefe while intoxicated, allegedly dropping him off at another Boston officer’s residence in Canton after a night out. However, attorneys representing Read, a resident of Mansfield, assert that O’Keefe sustained his injuries inside the home, suggesting a conspiracy involving witnesses and law enforcement aimed at framing their client.

Lt Lank acknowledged his acquaintance with Brian, describing their relationship as "civil," with no socializing. He also confirmed his familiarity with the homeowner's brothers and their childhood friendship.

“But keep in mind, Mr Jackson, the Alberts are not all one entity, so you must do it individually,” Cannone alleged of Jackson’s line of questioning. “And simply because the witness had a relationship with Chris Albert doesn’t mean that it has any bearing on favoritism or bias to Brian Albert or to Tim Albert,” another brother.

During an off-duty incident in 2002, Lt Lank intervened in a bar fight on behalf of Chris, emphasizing that his actions were driven by a duty to aid a citizen in distress. “Officer Lank, what we just talked about, is that an example of you using your position as a police officer to come to the aid of one of the members of the Albert family?” Jackson questioned. “It was me coming to the aid of a citizen who was terrified and scared for him and his family on that night. … Who happened to be Chris Albert,” Lank responded. 

Lt Michael Lank describes crime scene struggles

Fast forward to January 2022, Lt Lank was among the first responders to arrive at Brian and Nicole Albert's residence after O’Keefe was found unresponsive. He testified that the scene appeared orderly despite the windy conditions. “They appeared — especially Mr. Albert appeared disheveled,” Lank said. “It looked like he had just woken up.”

In response to questions about evidence collection, Lt Lank defended the decision to use Solo cups borrowed from a nearby officer due to adverse weather conditions. “We did the best that we could with the situation, with the weather and the deteriorating situation,” Lank testified. 

Defense challenges Lt Michael Lank handling of evidence at crime scene

During cross-examination, defense attorney Jackson focused on Lt Lank's actions at the crime scene. The officer confirmed he initially suspected that O’Keefe had some head trauma head and told dispatchers, “I don’t know if he has been in a fight.”

However, he relied on information from Jennifer McCabe, Brian's sister-in-law, regarding O’Keefe’s whereabouts. “So you just took Ms McCabe’s word for it?” Jackson inquired.  “At that point in time, that was the only person I had spoken to, and she gave me a timeline of events from that night where Mr O’Keefe was supposed to come back to the house but never made it,” Lank stated.

Defense highlights Lt Michael Lank reliance on investigative procedures

When Jackson questioned whether Lt Lank had ever been misled by a witness previously, the former confirmed that he had. Further, the defense pressed the lieutenant on whether he fully investigated the circumstances independently, to which the latter affirmed the need for a thorough investigation.

However, he admitted to not entering the Alberts’ basement or conducting a search for evidence of a fight, citing a lack of probable cause. Jackson also questioned whether Lt Lank disclosed his personal relationship with the Albert family to his superiors, which he denied.