Thu May 01 13:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Key Witness Testimony Continues in Karen Read Retrial

**Canton, MA** – The retrial of Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend John O’Keefe, continued Wednesday with key witness Jennifer McCabe returning to the stand for a second day of testimony. McCabe, a friend of O’Keefe and present at several key locations the night of his death, provided a detailed account of the events leading up to the discovery of O’Keefe’s body in the snow.

McCabe’s testimony paints a picture of Read’s erratic behavior the morning O’Keefe’s body was found, including statements like “Could I have hit him? Did I hit him?” and “I hit him, I hit him, I hit him.” However, the defense is attempting to discredit McCabe’s account and memory, suggesting a possible cover-up involving off-duty law enforcement officers. They allege O’Keefe was killed by others and Read is being framed.

The prosecution presented McCabe’s account as a firsthand narrative of the evening, from a gathering at a local bar to a subsequent party at McCabe’s sister’s home, where Read’s SUV was seen parked. McCabe testified she saw Read’s vehicle move several times before leaving the scene. Prosecutors contend Read struck O’Keefe with her vehicle as he exited the vehicle. McCabe stated that O’Keefe never entered her sister’s house.

The defense, highlighting McCabe’s family ties to law enforcement, questioned the thoroughness of the investigation and the handling of witness statements. They pointed to discrepancies in timelines and questioned the accuracy of McCabe’s recollection of events. Specifically, the defense highlighted a discrepancy in cellphone data regarding a Google search related to hypothermia, claiming the search occurred hours before O’Keefe’s body was discovered. The prosecution countered this with expert witness testimony refuting the defense’s claim.

Cross-examination of McCabe is expected to continue Friday. Read pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death. Her first trial ended in a hung jury.

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