Judge sets Karen Read trial date in John O'Keefe murder case
DEDHAM - Karen Read, charged with killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, was in Norfolk Superior Court Friday for the latest hearing in her second-degree murder case. In a new development, Judge Beverly Cannone set a trial date for March 12, 2024.
O'Keefe's body was discovered in a pile of snow outside the Canton home of fellow officer Brian Albert, who hosted a gathering there in January of 2022. Prosecutors say Read hit O'Keefe with her SUV. Read has alleged a coverup by state and local police in the case.
Read appeared emotional as the crowd cheered and chanted for her, hoisting signs that say she's been framed and wearing "Free Karen Read" shirts.
In court on Friday, the defense accused the Commonwealth of withholding critical evidence in the case - 56 items of physical evidence they've been unable to view or test, including tail light pieces. They also requested that Read be released on personal recognizance and her $80,000 in bail money returned so that she can pay experts and legal fees to defend herself.
Her attorneys say her finances are being drained, but also that the circumstances surrounding this case have changed since her arraignment.
"I can guarantee you that Karen Read and her family will never, ever quit, not until the truth comes out," attorney Alan Jackson said. "Not until John O'Keefe's killers are brought to justice."
Prosecutors say the facts surrounding the case have not changed and they requested that Read's bail remain the same. The next court hearing is scheduled for December 8.
