Karen Read trial: Paramedic claims she gave 'nurses a hard time' as jurors visit John O'Keefe's death site
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS: Karen Read's trial reached its fourth day on Friday, May 3, 2024.
On the day, jurors wanted to conclude the week by visiting the crime scene where Read's boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, was found dead in January 2022.
Prosecutors are alleging that Read struck O'Keefe with her Lexus SUV, while Read maintains her innocence, claiming she has been framed in a cover-up.
As of May 3, Read has not entered a guilty plea and remains free on bond as per NBC boston.
Jurors embark on visit to crime scene where John O’Keefe’s body was found
Before embarking on visits to crime scene locations pertinent to the case, jurors heard Thursday's testimony, delivered by Canton firefighter/paramedic Katie McLaughlin.
Defense attorney Alan Jackson scrutinized McLaughlin's connection with Caitlin Albert, Brian Albert's daughter, during questioning.
O'Keefe's body was found outside the home of Brian Albert, who was the dead cop's friend. Jackson highlighted their friendship on Facebook and their appearances together in photos from beach trips.
McLaughlin admitted to knowing Caitlin for approximately 10 years since high school but asserted they were not close friends.
While they share mutual acquaintances and have gone on day trips together, McLaughlin maintained they had not discussed the case.
The jury's site visit itinerary included stops at the Fairview Road residence in Canton, where Keefe's body was discovered, and the Waterfall Bar and Grill, the last place he was seen alive.
On the other hand, due to security concerns, the judge prohibited Read from accompanying the jurors to the Canton scene.
As she exited the court on Friday morning, Read briefly commented to reporters about what the jury would witness.
"They'll get a very good perspective," she remarked.
Departing for the viewing at around 11 am, the jurors returned to court by approximately 12:45 pm to hear additional testimony.
What did the first witness testify during day 4 of trial?
Following the jury's site visit, the first witness to testify was Greg Woodbury, a lieutenant/paramedic from the Canton Fire Department. Similar to previous firefighters and paramedics who testified, he recounted his experience responding to O'Keefe's death in January 2022.
Woodbury described Read's demeanor upon emergency personnel's arrival, noting her to be "very distraught, very upset”.
But she resisted being taken to the hospital for a psychiatric evaluation, insisting she didn't require assistance.
Later in the afternoon, around 2:30 pm, Canton firefighter/paramedic Daniel Whitley took the stand. Like his colleagues, he recounted the snowy conditions on the night and described Read's behavior both at the scene and during the ambulance journey and subsequent arrival at the hospital.
Whitley detailed Read's refusal to cooperate with hospital staff, mentioning, "She was giving the nurses a hard time".
He also testified that she was troublesome in wearing a hospital gown or providing a urine sample.
Following Whitley's testimony, Canton firefighter/paramedic Jason Becker testified next, echoing the initial response to the scene and highlighting Read's evident distress.
According to Becker, Read claimed to have performed CPR on O'Keefe and had blood on her face, around her mouth, and on her neck.
Karen's father, William Read, claimed outside of court, "We know the truth, My daughter was factually innocent and it's tough for me to hear some of this."
