Karen Read has taken her battle against a murder charge to federal court as a judge expressed grave concerns about the case during a recent hearing at Norfolk Superior Court. The hearing was cut short after the prosecution’s presentation raised issues that could profoundly affect the defense. Read is facing second-degree murder charges in the death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe in 2022.
In the federal filing, Read is seeking a writ of habeas corpus to dismiss the charges against her, citing double jeopardy rights. Her attorneys argue that retrying her on certain charges would violate her rights against double jeopardy. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently ruled that her retrial did not violate these rights.
The case took a dramatic turn during the motions hearing at Norfolk Superior Court, with a special prosecutor alleging that the defense had withheld information about their interactions with expert witnesses in the previous trial. These witnesses testified that O’Keefe could not have been struck by Read’s vehicle as the prosecution claims. The defense denied paying the experts but the prosecutor raised concerns about potential bias.
Retired judge Jack Lu described the situation as problematic, noting that it could lead to repercussions for the defense. The defense is expected to respond to the allegations at the next hearing. The case has been marked by conflicting narratives, with prosecutors alleging that Read struck O’Keefe after a night of heavy drinking, while the defense claims she has been framed.
The ongoing legal battle highlights the complex and contentious nature of the case, with both sides presenting conflicting evidence and arguments. The next hearing is set for Feb. 25, where the defense will have the opportunity to address the allegations raised by the prosecution.
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