Karen Read Retrial Reaches Closing Arguments

Closing arguments began Friday in the retrial of Karen Read, accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend John O’Keefe in January 2022, following nearly eight weeks of testimony. Prosecutors allege Read drunkenly struck O’Keefe with her SUV and left him in the snow, while the defense claims she was framed in a cover-up involving other law enforcement present. Defense experts testified that O’Keefe’s injuries do not match a vehicle impact, pointing to alleged investigative bias and the failure to pursue other suspects. Judge Beverly Cannone denied a defense motion for a required finding of not guilty, allowing the case to proceed to the jury. Both prosecution and defense were given 75 minutes for closing arguments before the judge's instructions. The retrial, which comes after a previous mistrial, has drawn significant attention and prompted public demonstrations from Read’s supporters.