Karen Read Murder Retrial: Timeline and Key Characters

This timeline and cast of characters are derived from the provided sources, focusing on the Karen Read murder retrial and related events primarily in early to mid-June 2025.

Detailed Timeline of Main Events

2022:

• Undated (prior to trial): Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe dies. Prosecutors allege Karen Read hit O'Keefe with her SUV during a snowstorm after a night of drinking. Read's defense claims she was framed, alleging O'Keefe was beaten at a house party, attacked by a dog, and then left outside during a blizzard as part of a police conspiracy to plant evidence against Read.

Undated (prior to retrial):

• First Trial: Karen Read's first murder trial ends in a mistrial due with a hung jury.

• Michael Proctor's Firing: State Trooper Michael Proctor is fired after a disciplinary board found he sent sexist and crude text messages about Karen Read to his family and colleagues. His testimony was key in the first trial, and the defense used his texts to argue bias and overlooked suspects.

Late May - Early June 2025:

• May 29, 2025 (Day 23 of Retrial): Jury updates are provided by Sue O'Connell and Kristina Rex.

• June 5, 2025:Karen Read trial continues; a call for a mistrial is denied.

• The Billy & Lisa Show discusses the Karen Read trial and has an update with Katherine Loftus.

• June 6, 2025:Karen Read trial is back in session after being canceled due to high heat. The defense might wrap the case by Tuesday.

• Kristina Rex provides a daily recap, including the "incerted sally port video."

• June 9, 2025:A motion for mistrial is filed in the Karen Read case.

• The defense's final witness is said to have taken the stand.

• John DePetro Show provides a Karen Read trial update.

• June 10, 2025:Another mistrial is denied in the Karen Read trial.

• Dr. Elizabeth Laposata, a former medical examiner and defense witness, testifies that O'Keefe's injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma to the back of the head, but his eye wounds were not consistent with being hit by Read's SUV. She states she doesn't believe O'Keefe was hit by the SUV at all. During cross-examination, she publicly corrects prosecutor Hank Brennan about the time of day.

• State Trooper Michael Proctor testifies again, potentially facing more cross-examination regarding his texts.

• The defense states they will officially rest their case tomorrow.

June 11, 2025:

• The defense officially rests its case in the Karen Read retrial after 31 days of testimony.

• Dr. Andrew Rentschler, a biomechanical engineer from ARCCA and a defense witness, testifies all day. He asserts there is no scientific evidence to support the prosecution's theory that a collision occurred between O'Keefe and Read's vehicle. He highlights the mismatch between abrasions on O'Keefe's skin and tears in his sleeve, and the lack of bone breaks, fractures, or minimal bruising on O'Keefe's arm, arguing against impact by a 6,000lb vehicle. He also critiques the prosecution's expert's "blue paint test."

• Tense moments occur during cross-examination of Dr. Rentschler by the prosecution.

• Karen Read expresses that the "hard work begins" now for crafting closing arguments.

• The prosecution decides not to call any rebuttal witnesses, which surprises some legal experts but not others who believe the Commonwealth already presented a strong case.

• Discussions occur about the FBI's unusual involvement in commissioning the initial ARCCA reconstruction team and whether the jury will be informed of this. The FBI's involvement was to investigate the investigators.

• John DePetro Show covers the Karen Read trial.

June 12, 2025:

• A procedural hearing is scheduled to iron out jury instructions and verdict forms.

• Attorneys meet with Norfolk Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone to discuss jury instructions ahead of closing arguments.

• Judge Cannone denies a request related to the defense's argument, stating they cannot introduce a third-party culprit argument during closing, but can argue the police investigation was flawed.

• The judge sets closing arguments for Friday, allotting each side 75 minutes.

• The Karen Read trial update is discussed on The Billy & Lisa Show, with Katherine Loftus answering questions.

• Jeff Monosso of Fox News discusses the Karen Read retrial, noting the defense has rested and closing arguments are expected. He mentions the potential for a verdict within a couple of days.

• John DePetro Show covers the Karen Read trial, including a segment on Court TV.

June 14, 2025:

• A juror is lost, and car reversal data is discussed in the Karen Read trial. (Source: Kristina Rex TikTok update for June 14)

June 26, 2025:

• No verdict yet in the Karen Read trial. (Source: Kristina Rex TikTok update for June 26)

Cast of Characters

Key Figures in the Trial:

• Karen Read: The defendant in the murder retrial, accused of killing her boyfriend, John O'Keefe. She is a 45-year-old adjunct professor at Bentley University and has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and other charges. She claims she was set up by police and that the investigation was botched. She did not testify in her own defense in the retrial.

• John O'Keefe: The deceased, a Boston police officer who was Karen Read's boyfriend. He grew up in Braintree and served for 16 years. He was 46 years old at the time of his death and was the legal guardian of his niece and nephew after they lost their parents.

• Judge Beverly Cannone ("Aunt Bev"): The Norfolk Superior Court Judge overseeing both the first and second Karen Read murder trials. She is responsible for rulings, jury instructions, and maintaining order in the courtroom.

• Michael Proctor: A State Trooper who was fired in March (before June 2025) after a disciplinary board found he sent sexist and crude text messages about Karen Read to his family and colleagues. His testimony was significant in the first trial, and his texts were used by the defense to suggest bias.

• Hank Brennan: Special Prosecutor representing the Commonwealth. He is known for his assertive cross-examination style, which has led to heated exchanges in court.

• Alan Jackson: Karen Read's defense attorney. He is actively involved in cross-examining prosecution witnesses and presenting the defense's theory of the case, which includes the possibility of a third-party culprit and a flawed police investigation.

• Robert Alessi: Part of Karen Read's defense team. He made an impassioned argument for a mistrial during the second trial regarding misrepresentation of evidence related to O'Keefe's sweatshirt.

Expert Witnesses (Defense):

• Dr. Elizabeth Laposata: A former medical examiner called by the defense. She testified that John O'Keefe’s injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma to the back of the head, but his eye wounds were not consistent with being hit by the rear of Read’s SUV. She did not think O’Keefe was hit by the SUV at all.

• Dr. Andrew Rentschler (Dr. Welcher / Dr. Wrenchler): A biomechanical engineer from ARCCA called by the defense. He testified that there was no scientific evidence to show a collision occurred between John O'Keefe and Read's vehicle, citing the lack of bone breaks, fractures, or significant bruising on O'Keefe's arm. He also challenged the prosecution's expert's methodology. ARCCA was originally hired by the FBI, but for the trials, Read's defense paid for their services.

Expert Witnesses (Prosecution):

• Dr. Judson Welchure (Dr. Wolfe): The prosecution's expert witness whose "blue paint test" and accident reconstruction analysis were systemically dismantled by defense expert Dr. Andrew Rentschler.

Media and Legal Commentators:

• Billy & Lisa (Billy, Lisa, Justin, Winnie): Hosts of the "Billy & Lisa in the Morning" show on Kiss 108, Boston's #1 Hit Music Station. They cover the Karen Read trial and other daily topics.

• Katherine Loftus: A guest on The Billy & Lisa Show who answers Karen Read trial questions.

• Tim Talks Books: Called into The Billy & Lisa Show.

• Chris and Paula (from WBZ): Joined The Billy & Lisa Show to discuss their bucket list segment. WBZ-TV also covers the Karen Read trial.

• John DePetro: Radio host of the "John DePetro Show" on 99.9 FM and 1380 AM, covering news commentary, including the Karen Read trial.

• Dan McGowan: From the Boston Globe, appeared on the John DePetro Show.

• Donna Perry: Appeared on the John DePetro Show to discuss LA riots.

• Jeff Monosso: A Fox correspondent in Chicago, provides updates on the Karen Read retrial, including on "Alabama's Morning News with JT."

• JC Monahan: Anchor for NBC10 Boston news, often covers the Karen Read trial.

• Melody Mendes: Reporter for NBC10 Boston, closely follows the Karen Read case and provides updates from inside the courtroom.

• Michael Coin: Chief Legal Analyst, provides commentary and analysis on the Karen Read trial for NBC10 Boston.

• Neil Fagel: Criminal Defense Attorney, provides commentary and analysis on the Karen Read trial for NBC10 Boston.

• Sue O'Connell: Courtroom Insider for NBC10 Boston, provides detailed observations and insights from inside the courtroom during the Karen Read trial.

• Kristina Rex (Kristina Khorram): A reporter for WBZ-TV who provides daily recaps and breaking news updates on the Karen Read trial, often shared on TikTok.

• Ted Daniel: A reporter for Boston 25 News covering the Karen Read trial.

• Peter Elikann: Boston 25 News legal expert who discusses the Karen Read trial, particularly jury instructions and verdict slips.

• Matt Johnson: Court TV reporter to whom Karen Read confirmed she would not testify.

• Will Arnett, Sean Hayes, Jason Bateman: Hosts of the podcast "Smartless." (Mentioned in ads, not directly involved in the trial.)

• Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson: Hosts of the podcast "Where Everybody Knows Your Name." (Mentioned in ads, not directly involved in the trial.)

• Reba: Spokesperson for Realtor.com. (Mentioned in ads, not directly involved in the trial.)

Other People Mentioned (Non-Trial Related):

• Sabrina Carpenter: Singer, new album and song "Its Raining Men" mentioned.

• Aaron Rogers: Married to a mystery woman.

• Post Malone: Associated with the Stanley Cup.

• Lisa's Uncle Mark: Checks in with "Billy & Lisa."

• Lewis Capaldi: Returning to music.

• Mariah Carey: New song mentioned.

• Patrick Hinds: Former Kiss108 intern, now a best-selling author and podcast host, playing a show in Boston.

• Justin Baldoni: Federal judge tossed his $400 million countersuit against Blake Lively in his $250 million suit.

• Blake Lively: Sued by Justin Baldoni.

• President Trump: Sent National Guard and Marines to protests in LA, blocked foreign Harvard students, and has been fighting with Elon Musk on social media. His request to cut funding for NPR, PBS, and foreign aid was approved by the House.

• Mayor Woo (Boston): Expected to press charges on the Trump administration regarding protests, blasted by the US attorney for calling ICE agents "reckless and inflammatory."

• Gavin Newsom (California Mayor): Spoke about widespread protests.

• Elon Musk: Fighting with Trump on social media.

• Senator Alex Padilla: Forcibly removed from Kristi Noem news conference.

• Kristi Noem: Held a news conference.

• McKee and Ashley: Discussed by Dan McGowan on John DePetro Show.

• P Diddy / Sean Combs: Subject of a federal trial, with Kristina Khorram potentially testifying against him as a co-conspirator.

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