Current:Home > FinanceCrime scene analysts testify in trial of woman accused of killing boyfriend with SUV -Streamline Finance
Crime scene analysts testify in trial of woman accused of killing boyfriend with SUV
View
Date:2025-04-15 00:23:56
Crime scene analysts testified Monday about the SUV prosecutors say a Massachusetts woman was driving more than two years ago when she backed into her Boston police officer boyfriend and left him to die in a snowbank.
Karen Read is charged with second-degree murder in the January 2022 death of John O’Keefe. Prosecutors say she dropped him off at a house party hosted by a fellow officer in Canton, Massachusetts, after a night of drinking, struck him with her SUV and then drove away. The defense has said Read was framed by someone who beat O’Keefe inside the home and that the homeowner’s relationship with local and state police tainted the investigation.
As the highly publicized trial entered its sixth week, jurors heard from several state police forensic scientists, including Maureen Hartnett, who examined Read’s vehicle a few days after O’Keefe’s death. She observed a dent in the trunk door, scratches on the rear bumper and a broken taillight, as well as what appeared to be a hair next to the taillight and pieces of glass on the bumper. The hair and a swab used on the taillight were sent to outside labs for DNA testing, said Harnett, who also analyzed O’Keefe’s clothing.
Questioning Hartnett, Read’s attorney suggested the glass and hair may have been planted. Alan Jackson asked Hartnett if those items were “just sitting” or “perched” on the SUV despite the fact that the SUV had been driven or towed roughly 50 miles in a snowstorm. She agreed with his characterization of the items’ placement but declined to speculate about the travel involved.
“I don’t know when the glass pieces ended up on the bumper,” she said. “I don’t know when that hair was deposited on the vehicle.”
Jurors also heard from a state police officer who helped search the area where O’Keefe was found. Lt. Kevin O’Hara described finding six or seven pieces of a broken taillight and O’Keefe’s sneaker in the snow, but acknowledged that the scene was left unsecured for hours before the search. Though he said that wasn’t unusual, “I’d prefer that it was secured,” he said.
Multiple witnesses have described Read frantically asking, “Did I hit him?” just before O’Keefe was found the next morning or saying afterward, “I hit him.” Others have said the couple had a stormy relationship and O’Keefe was trying to end it.
The defense, which has been allowed to present what is called third-party culprit evidence, argues that investigators focused on Read because she was a “convenient outsider” who saved them from having to consider other suspects. Those they have implicated include Brian Albert, who owned the home in Canton where O’Keefe died, and Brian Higgins, a federal agent who was there that night.
veryGood! (5492)
Related
- Shilo Sanders' bankruptcy case reaches 'impasse' over NIL information for CU star
- Juneteenth also serves as a warning. Millions of Americans want to go backwards.
- Taylor Swift sings 'This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things' on Scooter Braun's birthday
- 18 million Americans are house poor, new study shows
- British swimmer Adam Peaty: There are worms in the food at Paris Olympic Village
- Michigan man wins largest prize ever on lottery website, $7.19M, by taking dad's advice
- 2024 NBA free agency guide: Key dates, terms and top free agents this season
- A newborn baby was left abandoned on a hot Texas walking trail. Authorities want to know why.
- Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
- Jennifer Esposito says 'Harvey Weinstein-esque' producer tried to 'completely end' her career
Ranking
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- These Star Wars-Themed Tumblers from Corkcicle Will Keep Your Drinks Hot (or Cold) in Every Galaxy
- Eva Longoria Shares How Meryl Streep Confused Costars With Their Cousin Connection
- Georgia attorney general indicts county prosecutor accused of stealing nearly $4,200 in public funds
- The 'Rebel Ridge' trailer is here: Get an exclusive first look at Netflix movie
- Noam Chomsky’s wife says reports of famed linguist’s death are false
- Mount Lai Has Everything You Need to Gua Sha Your Face & Scalp Like a Pro
- Texas politician accused of creating Facebook profile to send himself hate messages
Recommendation
A New York Appellate Court Rejects a Broad Application of the State’s Green Amendment
Is the stock market open or closed on Juneteenth 2024? See full holiday schedule
Olympic Hopeful J.J. Rice's Sister Speaks Out After His Fatal Diving Accident
Los Angeles school district bans use of cellphones, social media by students
Taylor Swift Cancels Austria Concerts After Confirmation of Planned Terrorist Attack
Stackable Rings Are the Latest Jewelry Trend – Here’s How To Build a Show-Stopping Stack
Authorities seeking Alabama man wanted in connection with multiple homicides
'The Blues Brothers' came out in June 1980. Is there a better Chicago movie? Not for me