Defense asserts Karen Read's SUV did not hit Boston officer John O'Keefe

In the ongoing trial of Karen Read, the defense has sought to demonstrate that her 2021 Lexus SUV did not strike her boyfriend, John O'Keefe, a Boston police officer, on January 29, 2022. Read has been accused of hitting O'Keefe and leaving him to die in the cold during a blizzard after a night out of drinking. The trial has seen a range of testimonies, particularly from Dr. Andrew Rentschler, a crash reconstruction expert, who spent two days on the stand. He concluded that O'Keefe's injuries were inconsistent with being struck by the SUV and emphasized that a lack of serious arm injuries contradicted the prosecution's claims of a vehicle-pedestrian collision. Rentschler's testimony was particularly significant as he was the final witness for the defense, strategically chosen to weaken the prosecution's case. His remarks pointedly contrasted with those of prosecution witness Dr. Judson Welcher, who had asserted that O'Keefe was indeed hit by Read's vehicle. The defense aimed to illustrate that the nature of the injuries, particularly the absence of more severe damage to the arm and hand, was at odds with the theory presented by the prosecution. This ongoing legal battle has featured tense exchanges between counsel, notably during Rentschler's cross-examination, where he faced significant scrutiny from special prosecutor Hank Brennan regarding the thoroughness of his tests and analyses. Attention now turns to the closing arguments, which are anticipated to be critical in influencing the jury's opinion and the overall outcome of the case. Legal analysts have noted that the presentations made by both sides will be key, particularly given the strong personalities involved. As jurors prepare to deliberate, the defense feels bolstered by Rentschler's impact, hoping it will resonate with the jury and reinforce their position that Karen Read should not be convicted.