Defence claims finance professor, charged with murder of Boston officer, is the victim of a conspiracy as trial begins.

The trial of Karen Read, a college finance professor charged with the murder of her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, began on Monday with explosive revelations regarding the investigation into his death. O’Keefe, a Boston police officer, was discovered in the snow outside a home in Canton, Massachusetts, on 29 January 2022, after a night of partying. Read was arrested days later and accused of running him over during a snowstorm, leaving him to die on a freezing front lawn.

In the trial’s opening statements, defence attorney David Yannetti revealed that the lead investigator, Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor, had shared disturbing details about the case with his high school friends. Proctor reportedly said he had searched Read’s phone for nude images and expressed disappointment that he hadn’t found any. Yannetti pointed out that this raised serious concerns about Proctor’s professionalism and objectivity in handling the investigation.

In addition, it was disclosed that Proctor was under investigation himself for possible misconduct, including his failure to disclose personal relationships with individuals involved in the case. This included his connection to the Albert family, whose home was the location where O’Keefe’s body was found. Evidence also suggested that Proctor had exchanged texts with the Alberts in which they promised him a thank-you gift for his work on the case.

The prosecution presented evidence of a broken tail light found on Read’s car, which allegedly matched fragments found on O’Keefe’s body. They also argued that Read’s relationship with O’Keefe had deteriorated prior to his death, claiming she had accused him of infidelity. They highlighted a Google search conducted by Read’s friend about the time it would take for someone to die in the cold as evidence of Read’s involvement.

In her defence, Read’s attorneys argued that she had been framed for the murder, accusing investigators of mishandling the case. They suggested that other potential suspects, including members of the Albert family, should be investigated more thoroughly. The defence also contended that O’Keefe’s injuries, which included multiple skull fractures, were inconsistent with being struck by a car at low speed.

Read’s legal team also presented the possibility that the victim had been ambushed by someone else, claiming that other individuals, such as a law enforcement officer and a federal agent, may have had motives for killing O’Keefe. These individuals have not been charged, but their connection to the case raised questions about the integrity of the investigation.

As the trial continues, supporters of Karen Read have staged protests outside the courthouse, declaring her innocence. Legal proceedings are expected to last six to eight weeks, with the jury set to hear from various witnesses, including a snow plough driver who may provide crucial testimony. Read faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder and manslaughter, and her defence continues to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.