In the latest developments of the Karen Read case, prosecutors are seeking phone records from Read’s parents, hoping to prove she knew she had hit Boston police officer John O’Keefe with her SUV and left him for dead. During a hearing on Tuesday, Hank Brennan, representing the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office, argued that the timing of calls made to Read’s parents in the hours after the incident suggested she was aware of her actions. According to Brennan, the phone records show Read called her mother multiple times on the night of January 29, 2022, after allegedly striking O’Keefe, whose body was discovered later that morning.
Karen Read’s defense argues against privacy invasions
The prosecution contends that Karen Read, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including second-degree murder, deliberately hit O’Keefe while drunk, after an evening out with the officer. Prosecutors argue that Read’s phone calls to her mother, which went unanswered, point to her awareness of a “terrible event.” In contrast, Read’s defense team, led by Elizabeth Little, opposed the request for the phone records, calling it a “fishing expedition” that violated privacy rights. Little also highlighted that Read made one phone call to her father after the body was discovered, arguing that prosecutors have not shown how the phone records are relevant to the case.
In addition to the phone records, prosecutors are requesting unredacted recordings and notes from interviews Karen Read gave to Boston Magazine, claiming that certain redacted parts contain contradictions and admissions that could impact the case. One recording allegedly shows Read admitting to drinking heavily before the incident, only to later change her story in an unredacted portion. The defense, however, has criticized this motion, warning that the release of the reporter’s notes would undermine journalistic confidentiality.
As the case progresses, with a retrial scheduled for January, both sides continue to battle over evidence. The outcome of these motions could significantly influence the direction of the trial. Read’s next hearing is scheduled for December 12.
