DEDHAM, Mass. — In a recent court decision, Judge Beverly Cannone rejected requests from the prosecution for access to Verizon Wireless records of Karen Read’s parents. These developments come as part of the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding Read, a 44-year-old former Bentley University adjunct professor, who is accused of fatally striking her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, with her SUV and leaving him in a snowstorm to die. The alleged incident occurred on January 29, 2022, after a night of drinking.
The defense successfully argued that the request for the phone records was overly broad and infringed on privacy rights. “This is a fishing expedition, plain and simple,” stated Elizabeth Little, the defense attorney, during a Tuesday court session. Cannone concurred, noting the inadequacy of the supporting affidavits for the motion as a principal reason for the denial.
The legal journey for Read has been fraught with complications. Her initial trial, concluding on July 1, resulted in a mistrial after the jury, comprising six women and six men, declared themselves hopelessly deadlocked. Following this, Special Assistant District Attorney Hank Brennan, appointed to spearhead the prosecution post-mistrial, expressed intentions to have Read’s father testify, although he did not participate in the first trial.
The prosecution faces challenges not only from the defense’s arguments but also from setbacks encountered in the prior trial. These included a surveillance video issue from a police garage and disruptive revelations about inappropriate messages sent by a Massachusetts State Police trooper involved in the case, resulting in his suspension and subsequent internal investigations.
Further developments showcased Judge Cannone’s proactive approaches, as evidenced by her ordering the reassembly and testing of electronics from Read’s SUV. Additionally, she ruled that sidebar conferences related to evidential disputes be transcribed for attorney and court access, while keeping juror discussions confidential.
Despite these intense pre-trial preparations, a decision on the prosecution’s request to postpone the next trial from January 27 to April 1 remains pending. This delay, sought by both parties, aims to ensure adequate preparation time for the high-profile case.
Charges against Karen Read are severe, including second-degree murder, which incurs a maximum life sentence, manslaughter while under the influence—punishable by five to 20 years—and leaving a crime scene, which can lead up to 10 years in prison. The narrative put forth by Read’s defense claims O’Keefe’s injuries occurred during an altercation involving a dog at the residence of another Boston officer, which allegedly led to him being dragged outside.
As the legal battles unfold, the defense team awaits a crucial decision from the Supreme Judicial Court regarding their appeal to dismiss two of the charges against Read.
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