Judge denies motion to dismiss Karen Read's homicide case

In Dedham, Massachusetts, the upcoming trial of Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, is nearing its start. The incident occurred in 2022 when O'Keefe was found dead in the snow after reportedly being hit by Read’s SUV, and she claims she is a victim of a conspiracy that includes law enforcement. She has pleaded not guilty to several charges, including second-degree murder and manslaughter, and maintains that O'Keefe was not killed by her vehicle but by others in a fight. Read’s first trial ended in a mistrial last year due to a hung jury, prompting her legal team to seek a dismissal of the case based on allegations of misconduct by investigators and jury tampering. Nevertheless, Judge Beverly Cannone ruled against this dismissal, asserting that the case should proceed with the scheduled jury selection set for April 1. This ruling signals a significant step as both the defense and prosecution gear up for a second trial, with various motions still pending resolution, including the admissibility of certain evidence and potential jury instructions. Read's defense will argue that there were others involved in O'Keefe's death, asserting that three men could be responsible. As the trial approaches, the court continues to address several crucial issues that could affect the proceedings, including text messages between Read and her defense attorney and the implications of the firing of the lead investigator on the case's integrity.