The highly-publicized Karen Read murder trial, which began in April at Norfolk Superior Court, ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury. Read is accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, with her SUV in 2022. The defense argues she is the victim of an elaborate cover-up and is being framed by a group of people that includes law enforcement. The timeline of events in the investigation and trial includes details of the night O’Keefe died, the arrest of Karen Read, and courtroom battles over evidence.
The trial featured testimony from witnesses, including paramedics, firefighters, and police officers, as well as contentious cross-examinations. The defense claimed a federal investigation led to evidence suggesting O’Keefe was involved in a fight before his death. Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator, was under investigation for potential misconduct during the case.
The trial ended with the jury being deadlocked, leading to a mistrial. Following the mistrial, Trooper Proctor was relieved of duty, and Read’s attorneys filed motions to dismiss charges. The trial revealed tensions within law enforcement, with suspensions and internal investigations being announced. The retrial is set for January 2025, and Read’s defense team has filed an appeal. The high-profile case has raised questions about witness intimidation, evidence tampering, and the conduct of law enforcement officials involved. The fallout from the trial continues to unfold, with ongoing legal proceedings and internal investigations impacting those connected to the case.
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