Witness testifies again in the retrial of Karen Read, providing new insights for the second consecutive day.
The Second Day of Witness Testimony in Karen Read's Retrial
The key witness in the retrial of Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend John O'Keefe, took the stand again on Wednesday. This self-described small-town mother, Jennifer McCabe, recalled the fateful night of O'Keefe's death, her interactions with Read, and the heartbreaking discovery of O'Keefe's body in the snow.
As a central figure in the case, McCabe's testimony is crucial for both the prosecution and the defense. McCabe's account offers a firsthand look at the events that led to O'Keefe's death, as well as Read's erratic behavior that morning. However, defense attorneys will use McCabe on cross-examination to question her recollections and potentially raise concerns about activities within her sister's home.
Read's defense argues that she is a victim of a vast cover-up, with off-duty law enforcement officers inside the home potentially involved in O'Keefe's death. The first trial ended with a deadlocked jury, and Read has again pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death.
McCabe recounted her night with O'Keefe and Read, detailing their time at a local bar and the after-party at her sister's home. McCabe's phone records indicate multiple searches related to her daughters' sports teams before the discovery of O'Keefe's body, an effort by the prosecution to challenge potential theories during cross-examination.
As McCabe and her husband returned home around 1:30 a.m., they were roused by a distressed call from O'Keefe's niece. According to McCabe, Read claimed she and O'Keefe had fought, and she left him at the bar and he never came home. McCabe told Read she had seen her SUV outside her sister's home hours earlier. However, when confronted, Read seemed to have no memory of the incident and expressed concern about striking O'Keefe.
The group, including McCabe, Read, and fellow witness Kerry Roberts, later searched for O'Keefe at his home. McCabe was surprised to find Read did not remove her shoes before entering, as O'Keefe would have been upset about tracking snow inside. On their way to the Albert home, Read became increasingly frantic, screaming and pulling towards a search for "hypothermia" and "how long it takes for someone to die in the cold."
When they arrived at the home on Fairview Road, McCabe saw Roberts removing the snow from O'Keefe's face and noted her shock and disbelief. McCabe called 911, but Read continued to express remorse and ask if she had struck O'Keefe. In court, the recording of McCabe's 911 call was played, highlighting the chaotic and emotional scene.
Throughout her testimony, McCabe faced questioning from the defense, who aimed to highlight her familial ties with members of law enforcement. The defense also brought up a disputed Google search and phone data, which have become key pieces of evidence in the trial.
The trial is expected to continue for several weeks, with both the prosecution and defense presenting expert testimony and new strategies. The case remains a complex web of accusations, recollections, and potential cover-ups, with the final outcome yet to be determined.
- Kerry Roberts, another witness, joined McCabe, Read, and her husband as they searched for John O'Keefe, with McCabe noting Read's unusual focus on terms like 'hypothermia' and 'how long it takes for someone to die in the cold'.
- Thegeneral-news coverage of the retrial has highlighted the defense's argument that Read's case involves a cover-up, with potential involvement of off-duty law enforcement officers, which was a central point during McCabe's testimony.
- During cross-examination by the defense, McCabe was asked about her phone records showing multiple searches related to her daughters' sports teams before the discovery of O'Keefe's body, with the intention of challenging her recollections and potential theories.
