April 23, 2025

Karen Read Case Updates

 

Karen Read Case Coverage: First Edition Trial Report

Posted by Tom Ritter | NJ Criminal Podcast | April 2025

The Karen Read trial has gripped Massachusetts and the legal commentary world, with allegations ranging from a botched police investigation to a full-on cover-up. On the NJ Criminal Podcast, host Lou Casadia is joined by Meg McCormick Horner, a former prosecutor and defense attorney, to explore this case's unusual—and disturbing—trajectory.

Background: The Death of Officer John O'Keefe

Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe was found dead in January 2022 outside the Canton home of another officer. Prosecutors allege Karen Read—his girlfriend—hit him with her SUV and left him in the snow. Read and her defense team say otherwise: that O’Keefe was beaten inside the home and staged at the scene to frame her.

“If Karen Read didn’t do it, then the only explanation is that it was done by people who run that town.” – NJ Criminal Podcast

1. Michael Proctor – Lead Investigator

  • Fired from Massachusetts State Police for bias and misconduct.
  • Shared derogatory messages about Read and leaked case information.

2. Jennifer McCabe – Friend of Victim & Defendant

  • Allegedly Googled “how long to die in cold” hours before 911 call.
  • Claims Read admitted hitting O'Keefe—timing and credibility disputed.

3. Brian Albert – Homeowner Where Body Was Found

  • Defense argues O’Keefe was injured inside Albert’s home.
  • Albert’s responses during testimony revealed inconsistencies.

4. Brian Higgins – ATF Agent at the Party

  • Texted Read flirtatiously before the incident.
  • Potential role in a coordinated post-incident cover-up.

5. Dr. Irini Scordi-Bello – Medical Examiner

  • Conducted autopsy; claimed trauma consistent with being struck by a vehicle.
  • Defense challenges cause-of-death determination and internal injury patterns.

6. Aidan Kearney (“Turtleboy”) – Independent Blogger

  • Published exposés alleging law enforcement misconduct.
  • Now facing legal intimidation and charges for reporting.

Coming Soon: Podcast Episode Breakdown w Criminal Defense Attorney Louis A. Casadia

 

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