The trial concerning the tragic death of John O'Keefe on January 29, 2022, continues as Jennifer McCabe, a key witness, took the stand to provide her testimony. McCabe's account sheds light on the events leading up to the discovery of O'Keefe's body and the subsequent investigation.
Jennifer McCabe, wife of Matthew McCabe, began her testimony. She is one of three women, alongside Kerry Roberts and Karen Read, who discovered O'Keefe's body on the lawn of 34 Fairview Road on that fateful morning.
McCabe recounted how she and her husband met her sister at the Waterfall bar around 9 p.m. on January 28, 2022. "He was my friend. I loved John. He was an amazing guy," McCabe said when asked about her thoughts on O'Keefe. She recalled that O'Keefe mentioned he was dating someone new and wanted her to meet his girlfriend, Karen Read.
She first met Read in July 2020 when O'Keefe introduced them. They occasionally socialized at sporting events, birthday parties, and other gatherings. "I enjoyed Ms. Read. I really liked her. I thought we connected from the beginning," McCabe shared, adding that both she and Read had multiple sclerosis (MS), which created a bond between them.
On the night before O'Keefe's death, McCabe left the Waterfall around midnight. She described the bar's atmosphere that night as positive, consistent with previous witnesses' testimonies.
The Night and Morning of January 29, 2022
McCabe detailed her communication with O'Keefe that night. She gave him directions back to the Albert home after leaving the bar. However, O'Keefe never entered the house. She saw a dark SUV outside the Albert home and texted O'Keefe, "Here?" at 12:27 a.m., followed by "Pull behind me" four minutes later. Despite her attempts to reach him, McCabe never received a response.
At 4:59 a.m., McCabe sent another text to O'Keefe, "Please answer. Karen is worried we need to find u." This message was prompted by a call from O'Keefe's niece, who was with Karen Read. Read had reportedly gotten into a fight with O'Keefe and was distraught, repeatedly asking, "Could I have hit him?" and mentioning a damaged tail light.
Jennifer McCabe described how she, her husband, and Read began searching for O'Keefe. Read arrived at McCabe's home, hysterically screaming. They were joined by Kerry Roberts, and the three women drove to O'Keefe's home and then to Fairview Road. As they approached the Albert home, Read spotted O'Keefe's body and shouted, "There he is," banging on the car door to be let out.
"I saw Kerry wiping the snow off of John’s face, and I could not believe that that was John laying there," McCabe testified.
She called 911, and Roberts and Read attempted CPR while waiting for first responders. McCabe stated that Read, in a state of panic, told the paramedics, "I hit him."
McCabe also testified about a Google search requested by Read. Read asked her to search for information about hypothermia and how long it takes to die in the cold. "My hands were shaking," McCabe recalled, emphasizing her shock and disbelief.
Additionally, McCabe informed the court about her conversation with police officer Lank, whom she contacted after the incident. She shared the details of Read's statements and behavior with him and the Massachusetts State Police.
Throughout the testimony, McCabe highlighted the chaotic and emotional state of the early morning hours following O'Keefe's death. Her detailed account provides critical insights into the moments leading up to and following the discovery of O'Keefe's body, contributing to the ongoing investigation and trial proceedings.
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