Prosecutors in the Karen Read case are requesting that her defense be prevented from accusing others of being responsible for the death of her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, in their opening statement. Read’s defense has previously pointed to individuals inside the home where O’Keefe was found, including a Boston Police officer, his nephew, and a federal agent, as potential causes of O’Keefe’s death. The prosecutor, Hank Brennan, is asking the judge to bar Read’s lawyers from claiming that O’Keefe’s injuries were caused by any person or animal inside the home before presenting evidence to support this claim during the trial.
Read’s defense plans to show a photo of injuries to O’Keefe’s arm that they claim are consistent with a dog attack. However, they have been prohibited from making third-party culprit claims without evidence. Prosecutors have indicated they will use Read’s own words against her during the trial. Read is facing charges of murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene of an accident in connection with O’Keefe’s death.
In addition, Read has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to have the murder and leaving the scene charges dropped on double jeopardy grounds. The Supreme Court will consider whether to take up her petition at a conference on April 25. The opening statements in the case are scheduled for Tuesday and are expected to provide further details on Read’s defense strategy.
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