Thu Jun 12 11:40:00 UTC 2025: **Karen Read Trial: Defense Expert Claims O’Keefe’s Injuries Not Consistent with Vehicle Strike**
**Dedham, MA** – Testimony continued Wednesday in the Karen Read murder trial, with the defense’s crash reconstruction expert, Andrew Rentschler, asserting that the injuries sustained by John O’Keefe, Read’s late boyfriend, were not consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Read is accused of backing her SUV into O’Keefe and leaving him for dead in January 2022.
Rentschler’s testimony directly contradicts the prosecution’s expert, who concluded O’Keefe’s injuries were consistent with a vehicle strike. He highlighted the lack of fractures or significant trauma to O’Keefe’s right arm and hand, the absence of expected bruising, and the distribution of debris found at the scene.
Under cross-examination by prosecutor Hank Brennan, Rentschler maintained his position, challenging the prosecution’s paint transfer test and questioning the reliability of using a crash test dummy to determine skin damage. Brennan attempted to undermine Rentschler’s credibility by questioning his qualifications and highlighting potential biases. He raised concerns about Rentschler receiving information from the defense team and suggested the possibility of planted evidence.
The trial is expected to wrap up later this week, with Judge Beverly Cannone indicating the case could go to the jury as early as Friday or Monday.
First Piper 