Dateline NBC: The Crystal Rogers Case at Trial, Karen Reed Prosecution Wrapping Up, and a Lawyer on Objections
Release Date: May 29, 2025

Overview

In this episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly, NBC News delves deep into several high-profile legal cases. The primary focus is on the retrial of Karen Reed, who stands accused of a fatal vehicular incident involving her boyfriend, John O'Keefe. Additionally, the podcast provides updates on other notable cases, including the trial of former Major League Baseball pitcher Dan Serafini and a peculiar cryptocurrency-related torture case. Legal analyst Danny Savalos also joins the discussion to shed light on the intricacies of courtroom objections.

Karen Reed's Retrial: Prosecution Wrapping Up

Background of the Case

The episode begins with an in-depth look at the retrial of Karen Reed in Dedham, Massachusetts. Reed is accused of striking her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O'Keefe, with her SUV during a night of heavy drinking in early 2022. The incident has left Reed maintaining her innocence, with her defense team alleging that she is being framed by law enforcement.

Prosecution's Final Witness

Rachel White, a producer with Dateline, provides extensive coverage from the courtroom:

Rachel White [07:32]: "This is the man who's dealing with the heart of the whole case. Did that Lexus hit John O' Keefe on DATELINE Roundup?"

The prosecution introduces Dr. Judson Welcher as their final witness. Dr. Welcher, an accident reconstructionist and biomechanical engineer, brings technical expertise to the case, aiming to solidify the prosecution's stance that Reed was responsible for the fatal incident.

Judson Welcher [11:03]: "Based on the totality of the evidence, DNA, everything I've talked about that is consistent with that happening with a reasonable degree of scientific certainty, that is what happened."

Key Testimonies and Defense Responses

Dr. Welcher's testimony spans three days, during which he presents a comprehensive analysis of the accident. His approach includes:

• Reviewing surveillance footage from various locations, including Walmart and bars frequented by Reed and O'Keefe.
• Analyzing cell phone and GPS data to reconstruct the timeline of events.
• Conducting physical experiments by purchasing a similar SUV to replicate the accident conditions.

However, the defense challenges Dr. Welcher's credibility and the admissibility of certain parts of his testimony:

Defense Attorney Robert Alessi [11:34]: "Did Dr. Welcher make changes to his presentation after speaking with prosecutors?"

The courtroom tension escalates as objections are raised regarding the scope and potential bias in Dr. Welcher's analysis.

Other High-Profile Cases Discussed

Dan Serafini's Trial

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Dan Serafini is on trial for the murder of his father-in-law, Gary Spohr, and the attempted murder of his mother-in-law, Wendy Spohr, in Lake Tahoe back in 2021. Key highlights include:

• Testimonies from Family and Friends:

  SR. Prosecutor [24:38]: "A friend of the family testified that they believed the man in the video walked just like Serafini."

• Evidence of Threats:
  A former boss of Serafini recounts overhearing threats aimed at the Spohr family:

  Serafini's Former Boss [25:08]: "I want to kill my mother effing in laws."

• Key Witnesses:
  The role of Samantha Scott, alleged to be Serafini's mistress who may have assisted him, remains a focal point as her testimony is anticipated in the upcoming sessions.

Cryptocurrency Torture Case

A bizarre case from New York involves cryptocurrency magnate John Waltz and his business partner William Du Plessis. They are accused of kidnapping and torturing an Italian businessman to extract his Bitcoin password. Key points include:

• Charges and Arrest:

  Rachel White [22:12]: "John Waltz is accused of kidnapping and torturing an Italian businessman for weeks inside of a Manhattan townhouse."

• Defendant's Pleas:
  Both Waltz and Du Plessis have entered pleas of not guilty, with Du Plessis awaiting his legal response.

• Alleged Motive:
  The motive centers around gaining access to significant cryptocurrency holdings, highlighting a disturbing intersection between digital finance and criminal behavior.

Rust Shooting Case: Hannah Gutierrez Reed's Release

Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the Hollywood armorer convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the tragic Rust movie set shooting, has been released from prison after serving 85% of her 18-month sentence.

Rachel White [26:06]: "She was released in Arizona with dual supervision under probation and parole authorities."

Gutierrez Reed's release marks a significant development in the case surrounding the accidental discharge of a live round by actor Alec Baldwin, which resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Legal Insights: Understanding Objections in Court

A pivotal segment of the episode features NBC News legal analyst and defense attorney Danny Savalos discussing the role and importance of objections within courtroom proceedings.

What is an Objection?

Danny Savalos [28:48]: "They are the opposing attorney's way to try and argue against the admissibility of a question or an answer or evidence in general, in real time."

Objections serve as a mechanism for attorneys to challenge evidence or lines of questioning that may be prejudicial, irrelevant, or otherwise inadmissible. Properly timed objections can prevent potentially harmful information from influencing the jury.

Common Types of Objections

• Leading Questions:

  Danny Savalos [29:20]: "You have hearsay. You have relevance, which is always, always an objection."

• Hearsay: Statements made outside the courtroom that are presented to prove the truth of the matter asserted.

• Relevance and Prejudice: Even relevant evidence can be excluded if its prejudicial effect outweighs its probative value.

Strategic Use of Objections

Savalos emphasizes the calculated nature of objections:

Danny Savalos [31:05]: "They will ask a question if they really think they need to get a message across, because they know once the jurors hear it, you really can't unring that bell."

Sometimes, attorneys may employ objections not just to exclude evidence but also to subtly introduce certain points to the jury's awareness.

Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

The episode concludes with a brief preview of upcoming stories and encourages listeners to subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free access and exclusive content. Highlighted is a forthcoming feature on Jamie Faith's murder case, promising a deep dive into the complexities of personal relationships and hidden lives.

Notable Quotes

• Rachel White [07:32]: "This is the man who's dealing with the heart of the whole case. Did that Lexus hit John O' Keefe on DATELINE Roundup?"

• Judson Welcher [11:03]: "Based on the totality of the evidence, DNA, everything I've talked about that is consistent with that happening with a reasonable degree of scientific certainty, that is what happened."

• Danny Savalos [28:48]: "They are the opposing attorney's way to try and argue against the admissibility of a question or an answer or evidence in general, in real time."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the Dateline True Crime Weekly episode, providing listeners with an informative overview of the discussed cases, courtroom dynamics, and legal strategies.