Karen Read’s Murder Trial: New Witness Testifies to Shocking Admission
A second witness has come forward in the murder trial of Karen Read, shedding new light on the events leading up to the death of her Boston cop boyfriend, John O’Keefe. The witness, Katie McLaughlin, a firefighter and EMT in Canton, Mass., testified that she heard Read admit, “I hit him,” the morning O’Keefe was found dead in the snow.
McLaughlin recounted how she was called to the scene on January 29, 2022, where O’Keefe was discovered in the snow. She recalled approaching Read and Jennifer McCabe, asking if there had been any significant trauma prior to the incident. Read allegedly repeated, “I hit him, I hit him,” with McCabe urging her to calm down as she appeared hysterical.
When questioned by a police officer, Read reportedly confessed once more, saying, “I hit him.” McLaughlin shared this information with other officers at the scene but refrained from further questioning as she felt it was not her place to interrogate. This testimony aligns with McCabe’s account from last week, where she described Read’s frantic admission after finding O’Keefe’s body.
Prosecutors have accused Read of driving O’Keefe to a friend’s home after a night of heavy drinking and fatally injuring him by backing into him. However, Read’s defense team maintains her innocence, alleging a law enforcement cover-up and suggesting O’Keefe died in a fight with his cop friends after being dropped off by Read. The defense also implicates McCabe, Brian Albert’s sister-in-law, in framing Read for the crime.
During cross-examination, Read’s lawyers questioned McLaughlin’s relationship with Caitlin Albert, insinuating potential bias due to her connection to the house where O’Keefe was found. This trial marks Read’s second appearance in court after a mistrial last year due to a deadlocked jury, with both McCabe and McLaughlin providing consistent testimony in both trials.
As the trial continues, the shocking revelations from witnesses like McLaughlin shed new light on the complex web of events surrounding O’Keefe’s death and Read’s alleged involvement. The case remains a gripping saga of love, betrayal, and the quest for justice in the face of tragedy.
