Karen Read Murder Trial: Defense Challenges Investigation

Brian Higgins Karen Read

Title: Prosecution Rests in Karen Read Murder Trial as Defense Questions Investigation

Dedham, MA – June 11, 2024 – The high-profile murder trial of Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, took another dramatic turn as the prosecution rested its case on Monday. Meanwhile, the defense has continued to challenge the integrity of the investigation, spotlighting Massachusetts State Police Trooper Brian Higgins’ involvement.

Read, 44, is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death. Prosecutors allege she struck O’Keefe with her SUV during a snowstorm in January 2022 after a night of drinking, leaving him to die outside a Canton home. However, Read’s defense team argues she is being framed in a cover-up involving law enforcement.

Brian Higgins Under Scrutiny

Trooper Brian Higgins, a key witness, has faced intense cross-examination over his communications with Read before O’Keefe’s death. Defense attorney Alan Jackson highlighted Higgins’ admitted flirtatious texts with Read, suggesting possible bias in the investigation.

Higgins, who was part of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) task force at the time, was among the first responders. The defense has questioned why his personal phone records were not fully turned over and why he deleted certain texts.

'You were engaging in flirtatious banter with Karen Read, weren’t you?' Jackson pressed during cross-examination. Higgins acknowledged the exchanges but denied any improper influence on the case.

Prosecution’s Case vs. Defense’s Claims

Prosecutors presented forensic evidence, including pieces of Read’s broken taillight found near O’Keefe’s body, and data from her vehicle suggesting impact. Witnesses testified that Read repeatedly said, 'I hit him,' at the scene—a statement her attorneys argue was taken out of context.

However, the defense has painted a picture of a botched investigation, alleging evidence was mishandled and witnesses were pressured. They claim O’Keefe was actually beaten inside the Canton home and left outside—a theory prosecutors dismiss as baseless.

What’s Next?

With the prosecution resting, the defense is expected to call its own witnesses, including forensic experts challenging the crash reconstruction. Legal analysts say Higgins’ credibility could play a pivotal role in the jury’s decision.

'If the jury believes the investigation was compromised, that creates reasonable doubt,' said former prosecutor Wendy Murphy.

Judge Beverly Cannone has urged both sides to prepare for closing arguments as early as next week. The case, which has drawn national attention, could go to the jury by late June.

Follow updates on this developing story.

Karen Read Murder Trial: Defense Challenges Investigation

Report Page