Karen Read Trial Ends with Defense Expert Challenging Lexus Crash Claims

In the trial of Karen Read, accused of killing Boston police officer John O'Keefe by hitting him with her Lexus and abandoning him in a blizzard, the defense concluded its case with expert witness Dr. Andrew Rentschler challenging the prosecution's narrative. Rentschler, a biomechanist, testified that O'Keefe's injuries were inconsistent with being struck by Read's SUV, arguing that a collision at the alleged speed would have caused more severe damage, particularly to O'Keefe's arm, which showed only superficial abrasions. The defense posits that the scratches on O'Keefe's arm were caused by a dog bite rather than impact with the vehicle. Prosecutors countered by highlighting evidence such as shattered taillight pieces found near O'Keefe and embedded in his clothes, which Rentschler conceded he did not fully consider in his testing. The jury has a day off before receiving instructions and hearing closing arguments, with the prosecution opting not to call a rebuttal witness. Read has chosen not to testify, avoiding a rigorous cross-examination that could include her drinking and prior statements, leaving the expert testimony as a critical factor in the case's outcome.