Local

Court video & updates: Canton officers, firefighters testify on day 2 of Karen Read murder trial

By Boston 25 News Staff
By Boston 25 News Staff

DEDHAM, Mass. — The trial of Karen Read, the woman who allegedly killed her Boston police officer boyfriend John O’Keefe by intentionally driving her SUV into him and leaving him to die in a blizzard outside of a home in Canton in 2022, opened Monday.

Witness testimony is continuing on Tuesday morning after prosecutors on Monday called O’Keefe’s brother, Paul, his sister-in-law, Erin, and Canton Police Officer Steven Saraf to the stand.

WATCH LIVE: Testimony continues on day 2 of Karen Read murder trial
WATCH LIVE: Day 2 of testimony in the Karen Read murder trial starting soon.

WATCH LIVE: Witness testimony continues on day 2 of the Karen Read murder trial

Posted by Boston 25 News on Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Defense attorney David Yannetti said during opening statements that Read was “framed for a murder she did not commit,” while prosecutors said a cracked taillight and her own words to firefighters that she “hit him” will prove she is guilty.

Saraf returned to the stand and Read’s other attorney, Alan Jackson, cross-examined him to begin the second day of proceedings

Canton Police Officer Steve Saraf (Canton Police Officer Steve Saraf)

Fellow Canton Police Officer Stephen Mullaney, who also responded to Fairview Road in Canton on the night of O’Keefe’s death, was called to the stand next.

Mullaney, while being questioned by Yannetti, claimed that he never once heard Read state, “I did it” or “I hit him.” He also said he pieces of a broken taillight at the scene.

Canton Police Officer Stephen Mullaney (Canton Police Officer Stephen Mullaney)

Canton Firefighter Timothy Nuttall was called to the stand just before 11:30 a.m. by the prosecution after Judge Beverly Cannone called for a short recess.

Nuttall told ADA Adam Lally he heard a woman say several times, “I hit him, I hit him, I hit him.” He said the woman who said it had blood on her.

Canton Firefighter Timothy Nuttall (Canton Firefighter Timothy Nuttall)

Fellow Canton Firefighter Anthony Flematti was the fourth witness of the day to take the stand. He offered a brief amount of testimony before Judge Beverly Cannone ended the proceedings for the day.

Canton Firefighter Anthony Flematti (Canton Firefighter Anthony Flematti)

Tuesday’s proceedings started at 9 a.m. and ran through 1 p.m. because this trial will have half days on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The court will not be in session on Wednesday, according to Cannone.

Karen Read murder trial: A guide to the key players you need to know

Live updates from Ted Daniel who is inside Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham:

Previous story:

Read, 44, of Mansfield, faces several charges including second-degree murder in the death of John O’Keefe, 46, in 2022. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Paul O’Keefe told the court that Read was “screaming” and being restrained by staffers after John O’Keefe was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital.

Officer Saraf said he saw Karen Read giving John O’Keefe CPR, had blood on her, and repeatedly asked, “Is he dead?” while at the scene.

Karen Read trial: Dash cam video shows Canton Police officer's arrival at 34 Fairview Rd on 1/29/22 Karen Read trial: Dash cam video shows Canton Police officer arrival at 34 Fairview Rd on 1/29/22

During opening statements, prosecutor Adam Lally said evidence would show data from Read’s SUV drove 60 feet in reverse at 24 miles per hour.

“The defendant stated repeatedly, “I hit him, I hit him, I hit him,” said Lally.

Meanwhile, the defense maintains a different story.

Defense attorney David Yannetti said, “Karen Read was framed for a murder she did not commit.” He also said the relationship between Read and O’Keefe had soured.

Yannetti argued that close relationships between investigators and those in the Canton house on the night of O’Keefe’s death resulted in authorities focusing solely on Read.

Tuesday’s proceedings will run through 1 p.m. This case will have half days on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Image 1 of 53

Fatal hit-and-run: Karen Read, 41, of Mansfield, Mass., is charged with manslaughter in the Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, death of Boston police Officer John O’Keefe. O'Keefe, 46, was off duty at the time of his death. (Boston 25 News, Boston Police Department)

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2024 Cox Media Group

Most Read