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Accident reconstruction expert testifying in Karen Read murder trial

Updated: 9:48 AM EDT Jun 6, 2025

Testimony is resuming Friday in the Karen Read retrial after a day off for the jury as the defense continues presenting its case.Read, 45, of Mansfield, a former adjunct professor at Bentley University, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and other charges in connection with the death of John O’Keefe, her boyfriend and a Boston police officer. Prosecutors allege that Read hit O’Keefe with her SUV during a snowstorm on Jan. 29, 2022, following a night of drinking. Her first trial ended with a hung jury.Video: Snowplow driver testifies about night O’Keefe found deadThe 28th day of testimony in the Karen Read retrial began with defense witness Daniel Wolfe, the director of accident reconstruction at ARCCA, taking the stand. Wolfe, who also testified in the first trial, discussed his eight years of experience at ARCCA, a company that conducts accident reconstruction work for organizations such as the military and the NHL. Wolfe highlighted his academic credentials, including a PhD dissertation related to materials similar to the taillight involved in this case.Defense attorney Alan Jackson led the questioning, focusing on Wolfe’s education, accreditation and training. Wolfe appeared composed and confident, addressing the jury directly with his answers. He elaborated on his specialties, including accident lighting conditions, noting that pedestrian accidents tend to increase as it gets darker. Wolfe also explained his role in evaluating whether an accident aligns with specific scenarios and in choosing between multiple possible scenarios.What to know about the case:Karen Read, 45, of Mansfield, pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and other charges. The prosecution says she hit her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, with her vehicle outside of a home in Canton during a snowstorm on Jan. 29, 2022, following a night of drinking.The defense centered on allegations of a cover-up involving members of several law enforcement agencies. They say O’Keefe was beaten inside the home, bitten by a dog and then left outside.Testimony in Read’s first trial began on April 29, 2024, following opening statements. It ended on July 1 when jurors reported being hopelessly deadlocked, and a mistrial was declared.Read’s team vowed to keep fighting, and her defense has waged a considerable battle across multiple courts, attempting to get charges dropped or have the case thrown out entirely. Meanwhile, a federal investigation into the case concluded without any charges being filed against police.Ultimately, jury selection for Read’s retrial began on April 1 and continued through April 15. Eighteen jurors were selected, and 12 of them will deliberate on the verdicts. Alternates will be selected and separated from the deliberating jurors before deliberations begin.Video: Prosecution’s opening statementVideo: Defense’s opening statement

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