DEDMHAM, MASSACHUSETTS – The upcoming murder trial of Karen Read, who stands accused of killing her police officer boyfriend, has attracted significant public attention. Attorneys on both sides are now in the midst of final preparations before the trial begins in a matter of days. As jury selection is set to commence on April 16, Judge Beverly Cannone is expected to address approximately 40 motions put forth by the prosecution and defense on Friday.
Some of the motions raised in the case come as no surprise, given the high stakes involved. Attorney Katherine Loftus predicts that Judge Cannone will likely make decisions regarding these motions by Tuesday, although she does have some flexibility until the jury is officially seated. Karen Read faces a charge of second-degree murder related to the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O’Keefe. O’Keefe was found unresponsive outside a Canton home on January 29, 2022. While prosecutors argue that Read hit O’Keefe with her SUV, Read and her legal team assert that she is being framed as part of an elaborate cover-up.
The next critical step in the proceedings will be the impaneling of a jury. Legal analyst Michael Coyne suggests that selecting an impartial jury will be no easy feat given the circumstances. Coyne describes the task as “extraordinarily difficult” due to the extensive media coverage surrounding the case. The Dedham courthouse expects to bring in approximately 150 potential jurors each day.
Recently released court documents shed light on the defense strategy for the upcoming trial. These documents, made public after the defense filed a motion to dismiss Read’s indictment, highlight potential inconsistencies and deception by prosecutors before the grand jury. The defense team argues that these discrepancies raise reasonable doubt without the need to present an alternative theory of the murder. Although Judge Cannone has already denied the motion to dismiss, it is likely that elements of the defense’s argument will reappear during the trial.
In anticipation of the trial, the town of Dedham is making preparations for the expected crowds. Karen Read’s attorneys allege that the government lied about witness participation in the case and the evidence presented to the grand jury. These new revelations have added fuel to the already intense media scrutiny surrounding the trial. While speculation continues to mount, legal experts believe that the defense will attempt to undermine the government’s case by introducing reasonable doubt.
However, Loftus, one of Read’s attorneys, advises against her taking the stand in her own defense. Citing conflicting statements, Loftus believes that testifying will not work in Read’s favor. The judge is set to address the remaining motions on Friday morning, bringing the trial one step closer to its commencement.