Crime lab analyst describes inspection of Karen Read's SUV, O'Keefe's niece testifies

In the ongoing retrial of Karen Read, a crime lab analyst detailed her examination of evidence related to the death of Boston police officer John O'Keefe. Read, 45, is accused of second-degree murder, with prosecutors claiming she struck O'Keefe with her SUV during a snowstorm on January 29, 2022. Maureen Hartnett, the analyst, reported damage to the SUV and blood stains on O'Keefe's clothing, but found no blood under the vehicle. Testimony from O'Keefe’s niece highlighted previous conflicts between the couple, including a heated argument during a family trip. The niece recounted Read’s frantic behavior the morning after O'Keefe's death, expressing confusion about what might have happened.

The prosecution argues that Read's actions demonstrate a lack of motive for the alleged fight, asserting that O'Keefe never made it inside the house. The defense, however, maintains that a third party could be responsible. This retrial follows a previous trial that ended in a hung jury, raising the stakes for both sides.