97\. Who Killed John O'Keefe? : The Karen Read Trial
Heart Starts Pounding: Horrors, Hauntings and Mysteries
Deep Dive
What were the key findings from John O'Keefe's autopsy report?
John O'Keefe's autopsy revealed that his cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head combined with hypothermia. His body temperature was 80 degrees Fahrenheit, 18 degrees lower than a healthy living person's temperature.
Why was Karen Read arrested in connection with John O'Keefe's death?
Karen Read was arrested for manslaughter, negligent homicide, and leaving the scene of an accident involving injury. Investigators believed she hit John with her car while drunk, causing his death, and then fled the scene.
What evidence did the defense present to argue Karen Read's innocence?
The defense argued that John O'Keefe was murdered by someone at the party, not Karen. They pointed to the scratches on John's arms, which they claimed were inconsistent with a car accident, and a Google search made by Jennifer McCabe at 2:27 a.m. asking, 'How long to die in cold?' as evidence of a cover-up.
What role did Brian Albert play in the investigation, and why was his behavior suspicious?
Brian Albert, a Boston police officer and homeowner where John's body was found, stayed inside during the chaos outside. He lied about his familiarity with Karen and erased his phone's contents just one day before receiving a preservation order, leading the defense to claim he intentionally destroyed evidence.
What was the significance of the Google search made by Jennifer McCabe?
Jennifer McCabe's Google search at 2:27 a.m. asking, 'How long to die in cold?' was significant because it suggested someone at the party was aware of John's condition hours before his body was found. The defense argued this indicated a cover-up, while the prosecution claimed the search occurred later.
What evidence did the prosecution present against Karen Read?
The prosecution presented pieces of Karen's broken taillight found at the crime scene, John's hair and glass fragments in her car's bumper, and witness testimony of her saying, 'I hit him.' They argued this proved she struck John with her car while drunk.
Why was Trooper Proctor removed from the case?
Trooper Proctor was removed from the case due to a conflict of interest and bias. Texts revealed he called Karen a 'whack job' and joked about her, leading to an FBI probe. He was also under investigation for potentially tampering with evidence.
What was the outcome of Karen Read's trial?
The jury was deadlocked, leading to a mistrial. Karen Read remains free, but a retrial is scheduled for January 2025. Meanwhile, John's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against her and the bars they visited that night.
What was the defense's theory about John O'Keefe's death?
The defense theorized that John was attacked during the party at Brian Albert's house, possibly by the Alberts' German shepherd, and that his injuries were inconsistent with a car accident. They suggested a cover-up involving Brian Albert and Brian Higgins.
What was the public's reaction to Karen Read's trial?
The public largely supported Karen Read, with crowds wearing pink and holding signs like 'Free Karen Read' and 'Stop Canton Cover-Up.' This support was fueled by YouTuber Turtle Boy's coverage, though his aggressive tactics led to his arrest for witness intimidation.
- John O'Keefe's body found in the snow
- Multiple women at the scene
- Head injuries and scratches
- Unclear cause of death
- Karen Read, girlfriend, at the scene