Thu Jun 12 11:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Karen Read Retrial Nears Verdict as Defense Rests, Closing Arguments Set for Friday
**CANTON, MA -** With testimony concluded in the Karen Read retrial, a procedural hearing is scheduled for Thursday to finalize jury instructions. The case is now poised for closing arguments on Friday, after which a jury will begin deliberating on Read’s guilt or innocence regarding the second-degree murder and other charges related to the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe.
Read, 45, of Mansfield, stands accused of hitting O’Keefe with her SUV during a snowstorm on January 29, 2022, outside a Canton home after a night of drinking. The prosecution alleges this act led to O’Keefe’s death.
The defense, however, has argued that a cover-up occurred, suggesting O’Keefe was beaten inside the home, bitten by a dog, and then left outside.
After 31 days of testimony, the defense rested its case without calling rebuttal witnesses, as originally planned, or having Read testify. This move surprised many, especially given the defense’s accusations against specific individuals and a purported framing attempt.
“I thought it was strong last year. It’s stronger, yes,” Read told reporters outside the courthouse, referring to her previous trial, which ended in a mistrial on July 1st after jurors deadlocked. She claimed her defense team presented an even stronger case this time around, having “pulled more witnesses and laid out more of the case.”
The defense’s final witness was biomechanical engineer Andrew Rentschler, who testified that the force required to break the taillight of Read’s SUV should have resulted in more severe injuries to O’Keefe. However, during a contentious cross-examination, Rentschler conceded that the crash-dummy testing conducted by his company had inherent variables that could compromise its reliability.
Read’s first trial began on April 29, 2024, ultimately ending in a mistrial due to the jury’s inability to reach a unanimous verdict. Her defense team has been actively fighting the charges, even leading to a federal investigation which concluded without any charges being filed against police.
Jury selection for the retrial began on April 1st and lasted through April 15th. Eighteen jurors were initially selected, with twelve ultimately deliberating.
First Piper 