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3d ago

Prosecution Rests in Retrial of Karen Read Accused of Killing Boston Officer

With the prosecution’s case complete, the retrial shifts focus to Read’s defense, which plans to call more witnesses this time.

Karen Read speaks with her defense attorney, Alan Jackson, during her retrial in Norfolk Superior Court, on May 29, 2025, in Dedham, Mass.
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Overview

  • On May 29, special prosecutor Hank Brennan rested the prosecution’s case after about a month of testimony and roughly 40 witnesses.
  • Prosecutors relied on physical evidence, including taillight fragments and DNA analysis, alongside testimony from first responders who reported Read admitting “I hit him.”
  • Crash reconstruction expert Judson Welcher testified that damage to Read’s SUV was consistent with striking O’Keefe but faced defense challenges over his methods, presentation changes and a $400,000 price tag.
  • Read’s defense has highlighted investigative missteps such as blood samples collected in red Solo cups and yearlong delays in police reporting to cast doubt on evidence integrity.
  • The defense is slated to begin its “broader and deeper” presentation on Friday, listing more than 90 witnesses and arguing an alternate theory that a third party killed O’Keefe.