Closing arguments in Karen Read murder retrial to begin Friday

Karen Read, a former adjunct professor, retrials for second-degree murder in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe. Prosecutors allege that Read struck O'Keefe with her vehicle during a snowstorm on January 29, 2022, following a night of drinking. Judge Beverly Cannone denied the defense's request to argue a third-party culprit defense, stating insufficient evidence had been presented. Instead, the defense will employ a Bowden defense, asserting that police failed to investigate other suspects, including Brian Higgins, who had flirty communications with Read before O'Keefe's death. The first trial ended in a mistrial after jurors could not reach a unanimous decision.

Jurors will consider more than 200 pieces of evidence, including tail light fragments and clothing worn by O'Keefe. Both sides will have one hour and 15 minutes for closing arguments. Deliberations are anticipated to begin mid-afternoon on Friday.