The defense team for Karen Read, a woman accused of striking her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV and leaving him for dead in a snowbank, began presenting their case on Friday, arguing that she was framed by the police. One of their key witnesses was snowplow driver Brian Loughran, who testified that he did not see a body when he passed by the scene on the night of the incident.
Ms. Read, who has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and other charges in the death of Officer John O’Keefe, is accused of hitting him with her SUV and driving away after a night of drinking and fighting. The defense claims that O’Keefe was actually beaten up in a house and brought outside, and that investigators focused on Ms. Read as a scapegoat.
Prosecutors, on the other hand, are relying on witness testimonies and evidence that suggest Ms. Read was involved in the incident. They presented texts and voice messages between the couple, as well as analysis of safety system data from Ms. Read’s SUV that indicated a pedestrian strike.
Throughout the trial, the defense has raised doubts about the police investigation, pointing out conflicts of interest among the officers involved and accusing witnesses of changing their stories. Ms. Read herself has maintained her innocence, stating that there is no case against her.
The judge indicated that the jury is expected to begin deliberations next week, as the trial continues.
By Michael Casey and Kathy McCormack
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