Karen Read Trial: Opening Arguments and First Witnesses

Special Guests to Analyze on Breaks

The trial of Karen Read, accused of driving drunk and hitting her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, before leaving him to die in January 2022, is underway in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham. Prosecutors are seeking to prove that Read hit O'Keefe while she was intoxicated and then fled the scene. However, Read's defense team maintains that she is the victim of a conspiracy to frame her for the officer's death.

The trial is being closely watched due to the high-profile nature of the case and the allegations against Read, a nurse with no prior criminal record. Several special guests will be providing analysis of the proceedings on breaks, including legal experts and journalists.

Opening Arguments

In his opening statement, prosecutor Michael Morrissey described Read's actions as "callous and heartless." He said that evidence would show that Read was driving drunk when she hit O'Keefe and that she then left him to die in the street.

Defense attorney William Sullivan countered by saying that the prosecution's case was built on "speculation and innuendo." He said that the evidence would show that Read was not driving drunk and that she did not leave O'Keefe to die.

First Witnesses

The first witness to testify was O'Keefe's partner, who said that he saw O'Keefe being hit by a car driven by a woman who he identified as Read. Another witness, a passerby, testified that he saw Read leaving the scene of the accident.

The trial is expected to continue for several weeks. The jury is expected to begin deliberations after closing arguments are presented.