Fri Jun 13 12:50:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Closing Arguments Loom in Karen Read Retrial for Boyfriend’s Death**
CANTON, MA – Closing arguments are set for Friday in the retrial of Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, in January 2022. After eight weeks of testimony, both prosecution and defense will deliver their final summaries to the jury, who will then decide Read’s fate.
Prosecutors allege that Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV while intoxicated, leaving him to die in the snow outside a Canton home after a night of drinking. Read has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death.
The defense is not arguing a “third-party culprit” defense. They contend that Read is the target of a cover-up, alleging flaws in the police investigation and offering alternative theories about O’Keefe’s death. They plan to highlight a potentially unsecured crime scene, chain of custody issues with evidence, and alleged bias within the investigation.
This is the second trial for Read after the first ended in a hung jury last July. The case has become a focal point for court watchers who believe in Read’s innocence, echo her allegations of police corruption and chant, “Free Karen Read.”
Each side will have one hour and 15 minutes to present their closing arguments. The prosecution aims to tie together the evidence supporting Read’s guilt, while the defense will focus on creating reasonable doubt about the prosecution’s case.
The case centers on the events of January 28-29, 2022, when Read and O’Keefe went out with friends. The prosecution argues that Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV in reverse, causing fatal injuries. Read’s attorneys contend that no collision occurred, highlighting conflicting expert testimony on O’Keefe’s injuries and damage to Read’s vehicle. The defense also brought attention to offensive text messages sent by the lead investigator, Michael Proctor, about the defendant, ultimately leading to his dishonorable discharge.
The jury will now have to determine whether the prosecution has proven Read’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, or whether the defense has successfully raised enough doubt to acquit her.
First Piper 