Jun 3, 2025, 1:10 PM
Jun 3, 2025, 12:10 PM

Police officer contradicts earlier statements in Karen Read testimony

Provocative
Highlights
  • A Boston police officer testified that she initially saw key figures near Karen Read's vehicle but later claimed under oath she saw nothing.
  • The defense accused her of being coerced into lying by their team during her testimony.
  • The credibility of the witness's statements is now under scrutiny, raising questions about the investigation's integrity.
Story

In a trial held in the Norfolk Superior Court, Karen Read faces charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol, and leaving the scene of personal injury and death, stemming from the fatal injuries of Boston police officer John O'Keefe in 2022. During the trial, Read's defense team questioned Kelly Dever, a Boston police officer who had initially told the FBI she saw key figures near Read's vehicle on the day of the incident. While on the stand, Dever accused the defense of trying to coerce her into lying, maintaining that she had not witnessed anything related to the case. The defense is attempting to establish reasonable doubt regarding the investigation's findings, highlighting various issues such as the lead detective being dismissed for inappropriate conduct and procedural errors made by the Canton police. Dever's testimony proved contentious, with the defense's narrative suggesting that Read's SUV did not strike O'Keefe, but rather some other factors may have led to his death. Demonstrating their position further, the defense pointed to Dever's demeanor during the questioning, which they believed could bolster their case against the prosecution's assertions. As the trial progresses, both defense and prosecution are preparing proposed instructions for the jury to shape deliberations. The defense has sought instructions for missing witnesses who were not called to testify, expressing that these omissions should be considered when assessing the credibility of the evidence. They also request a special instruction regarding the quality of the police investigation, suggesting that lapses could cast doubt on the evidence presented. The prosecution, meanwhile, is pushing for jury instructions indicating potential evidence of Read's

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