20/20: The Crime Scene - Karen Read Murder Retrial Begins

Hosted by: ABC News
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Episode Title: The Crime Scene: Karen Read Murder Retrial Begins

Introduction

In this gripping episode of ABC News' 20/20, host Brad Milkey delves deep into the highly contentious retrial of Karen Read, whose first murder trial ended in a hung jury. With over 600 pieces of evidence and testimonies from 70 witnesses, the case has not only divided the tight-knit community of Canton, Massachusetts, but has also captured national attention. Brad Milkey engages in an in-depth conversation with ABC's Chief National Correspondent, Matt Gutman, who brings exclusive insights from his extensive coverage of the case.

Background of the Karen Read Case

The Night of the Incident

On January 28, 2022, amidst a historic snowstorm in Boston, Karen Read and her boyfriend, John O'Keefe, a seasoned Boston police officer, attended an after-party at Detective Brian Albert’s house in Canton, Massachusetts. As detailed by Matt Gutman:

Matt Gutman (02:14): "It's a weekend in Boston, and amidst the snowstorm, Karen and John meet friends for drinks at the Waterfall bar. Later, they're invited to Brian Albert's house for an after-party."

Karen decided to leave early, intending to drop John off. However, the following morning, she woke up to find John missing, leading to a frantic search that ultimately resulted in discovering him unresponsive in a nearby snowbank.

Initial Investigation and Arrest

Karen Read was arrested three days after John's death, facing charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a crime. From the onset, she maintained her innocence, emphasizing her love for John despite recent conflicts.

Matt Gutman (06:04): "She has always pleaded not guilty and has been adamant that she did not hit John with the car."

Prosecution's Case

The prosecution portrays a straightforward narrative: Karen Read, allegedly intoxicated and enraged after an argument, backed her SUV into John O'Keefe, causing fatal head trauma and hypothermia.

Matt Gutman (06:19): "The prosecution claims they're drunk people in Boston in a snowstorm, visibility near zero. She backs up at 24 miles per hour, slamming into John, knocking him back, leading to his death."

Key evidence includes:

• Voice Messages: Karen's hostile messages to John, indicating a tumultuous relationship.
• Vehicle Data: Indicating high-speed backing that could have fatally impacted John.
• Physical Evidence: Broken glass from a bar glass in John's system and scattered tail light pieces.

Emergency workers testified hearing Karen repeatedly acknowledge hitting John, which the prosecution views as damning evidence.

Matt Gutman (08:07): "Emergency workers testified to hearing Karen Reed repeatedly saying, 'Did I hit him? I hit him.' The prosecution found that very damning."

Defense's Argument: Alleged Conspiracy and Cover-Up

Contrary to the prosecution's straightforward case, the defense, led by attorney Alan Jackson, proposes a complex theory involving a conspiracy among fellow police officers to frame Karen Read.

Alternative Theory of John's Death

The defense alleges that John O'Keefe was ambushed and brutally beaten by other police officers at Brian Albert’s house, leading to his death from injuries and exposure.

Matt Gutman (09:28): "The defense claims John was led into an ambush, beaten badly, and dragged into the snow to die, possibly bitten by a family German shepherd."

Investigation Flaws and Conflicts of Interest

A significant blow to the prosecution’s case came when it was revealed that the lead investigator, Michael Proctor, had personal ties to the Albert family and exhibited bias against Karen.

Matt Gutman (14:48): "Michael Proctor not only did a bad job, but he was biased and prejudiced against Karen Reid from the very get-go. He texted his sister, 'I wish Karen Reed would just kill herself,' and treated her very badly during her arrest."

These revelations led to Proctor being placed on leave and subsequently fired, casting doubt on the integrity of the investigation.

Public and Media Influence

The case has ignited intense public scrutiny and media frenzy, further complicating juror impartiality and community relations.

Matt Gutman (25:03): "Either it's the murder of a beloved police officer or a giant conspiracy to frame an innocent woman. Either way, it's not pretty."

Trial Dynamics and Public Response

First Trial and Mistrial

The initial trial, marked by sensational media coverage and public demonstrations, concluded with a hung jury after five days of deliberation.

Matt Gutman (21:12): "They couldn't reach a verdict. The jury was confused about handling multiple charges, leading to a mistrial."

Retrial Preparations

The prosecution, undeterred by the mistrial, has appointed a high-profile Boston lawyer, previously known for representing gangster James 'Whitey' Bulger, to spearhead the retrial. Additionally, Judge Kanone has permitted the defense to introduce the third-party culprit defense, expanding the scope of the trial.

Matt Gutman (22:45): "The retrial allows the defense to introduce the third-party culprit defense, involving Brian Albert and Brian Higgins, alleging a conspiracy to kill John."

Jury Selection Challenges

Due to extensive media coverage, finding unbiased jurors has been exceptionally challenging, with high saturation leading to strong preconceived notions about the case.

Matt Gutman (24:51): "People talk about this case with incredible granular detail, making it difficult to find jurors who are unbiased."

Notable Developments and Influences

Turtle Boy and Public Interference

Aiden Kearney, known as "Turtle Boy," became a controversial figure by actively investigating and protesting the case, leading to witness intimidation charges.

Matt Gutman (19:53): "Turtle Boy and his supporters swarmed the courthouse, heckling family members and creating a charged environment."

Defense Team Enhancements

In a strategic move, the defense has enlisted Victoria George, an alternate juror from the first trial, to advise on jury perceptions and strategies.

Matt Gutman (23:59): "Victoria George, who was an alternate juror, is now advising the defense team, providing insights into juror thinking."

Current Status and What to Expect

As jury selection for the retrial commences, the courtroom is set to witness even more intense proceedings. With the introduction of new defense strategies and a seasoned prosecutor at the helm, the retrial promises to unravel further complexities of this high-stakes case.

Matt Gutman (22:45): "This may be a trial with even more fireworks, especially with the third-party culprit defense being pushed to the hilt."

Karen Read continues to maintain her innocence, presenting a compelling and consistent narrative that has garnered significant public support.

Matt Gutman (26:54): "Karen Reid is compelling. She's so articulate. Her story has remained almost exactly the same from the moment she started talking about it."

Conclusion

The retrial of Karen Read stands as a testament to the intricate interplay between justice, community, and media influence. With new evidence, heightened public interest, and evolving defense strategies, the case continues to captivate and divide, leaving the outcome uncertain and the community of Canton, Massachusetts, deeply impacted.

Additional True Crime Headlines

In addition to the Karen Read case, this week’s 20/20 covers several other high-profile true crime stories:

1. Kansas Priest Murder: Gary Hermish has been charged with the first-degree murder of Father Arul Karasala, a beloved priest shot in broad daylight at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, Kansas.

2. Missing Teen Soccer Player: Mario Edgardo Garcia Aquino faces murder charges after the disappearance and subsequent discovery of 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez in Oxnard, California.

3. Lori Valo Daybell Trial: Lori Valo Daybell, convicted of murdering two of her children in a doomsday plot, is now on trial for allegedly conspiring to kill her fourth husband in Arizona. She is representing herself and has pleaded not guilty.

Production Credits:
The Crime Scene Weekly is produced by ABC Audio with contributions from Nora Richie (Producer), Susie Lu (Supervising Producer), Shane McKeon (Mixing), Liz Alessi, Tara Gimbel, and Emily Schutz. Directed by Josh Cohan with Laura Mayer as Executive Producer.

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