Trial of Karen Read: DNA Evidence and Cell Phone Data Scrutinized in Boston Police Officer's Death
2024-06-17
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The trial of Karen Read, a Mansfield woman accused of murdering her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O’Keefe, continued with intense scrutiny of DNA evidence and cell phone data. Read, 44, faces second-degree murder charges for allegedly striking O’Keefe with her SUV while intoxicated.
DNA Evidence Analysis
The courtroom heard from multiple forensic experts regarding DNA analysis. Andre Porto, a forensic scientist at the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab, performed DNA testing on several pieces of evidence. Porto testified that DNA from the passenger side taillight of Read’s SUV contained a mixture from three individuals, including O’Keefe.
“When I compared it to O’Keefe’s DNA profile, it was 510 nonillion times more likely to be from O’Keefe than not,” Porto stated. However, hair found on the SUV’s rear panel did not have sufficient human DNA for conclusive testing. Similarly, a piece of glass from Read’s car bumper and samples from a broken drinking glass at the scene did not yield definitive DNA profiles.
Tess Chart, a forensic DNA analyst specializing in mitochondrial DNA at BODE Technology, provided additional insights. She tested hair found on the SUV, comparing it to O’Keefe’s mitochondrial DNA.
“The mitochondrial DNA profile from the sample was consistent with the mitochondrial DNA profile obtained from John O’Keefe,” Chart said. This testing method, inherited maternally, excluded 99.895% of the U.S. population as possible contributors.
Cell Phone Data Examination
State Police Detective Lt. Brian Tully testified on cell phone location data, illustrating Karen Read’s movements on the night of O’Keefe’s death. Tully explained that while exact locations couldn’t be determined, general areas were identified based on cell phone antenna connections.
“Between 12:33 a.m. and 6:03 a.m., Read’s cell phone records showed 53 calls to O’Keefe’s cell phone,” Tully revealed. Surveillance footage and cell phone data suggested Read traveled near critical locations but did not directly proceed to her destination when searching for O’Keefe.
Defense Challenges Evidence
Defense attorney Alan Jackson cross-examined Tully, questioning discrepancies in reports and the failure to search inside the house at 34 Fairview Road. Jackson pointed out inconsistencies in the number of tail light plastic pieces found at the scene.
“Where did the extra two pieces of plastic come from?” Jackson asked, highlighting potential errors in evidence handling.
Tully admitted to possible mistakes but defended the investigation’s integrity. Jackson also challenged the cell phone location data’s accuracy, suggesting it was “physically impossible” for Read’s phone to move at the implied speed based on antenna connections.
Prosecution’s Stand
Norfolk County prosecutors allege Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV while intoxicated, leaving him unresponsive in frigid temperatures. State Police Detective Lt. Tully testified about a piece of clear tail light plastic with abrasions consistent with injuries on O’Keefe’s body.
“I’d be comfortable in saying the marks on Mr. O’Keefe are consistent with—” Tully began before being interrupted by a defense objection.
Defense’s Argument
Read’s attorney, David Yannetti, maintains her innocence, arguing that others are responsible for O’Keefe’s death. The defense asserts that discrepancies in the evidence and investigative procedures undermine the prosecution’s case.
As the trial continues, testimony and evidence examination remain critical. Judge Beverly Cannone has dismissed court for the day, with the trial on schedule. The court will reconvene to further investigate the circumstances surrounding John O’Keefe’s tragic death.
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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
DNA Evidence Analysis
The courtroom heard from multiple forensic experts regarding DNA analysis. Andre Porto, a forensic scientist at the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab, performed DNA testing on several pieces of evidence. Porto testified that DNA from the passenger side taillight of Read’s SUV contained a mixture from three individuals, including O’Keefe.
“When I compared it to O’Keefe’s DNA profile, it was 510 nonillion times more likely to be from O’Keefe than not,” Porto stated. However, hair found on the SUV’s rear panel did not have sufficient human DNA for conclusive testing. Similarly, a piece of glass from Read’s car bumper and samples from a broken drinking glass at the scene did not yield definitive DNA profiles.
Tess Chart, a forensic DNA analyst specializing in mitochondrial DNA at BODE Technology, provided additional insights. She tested hair found on the SUV, comparing it to O’Keefe’s mitochondrial DNA.
“The mitochondrial DNA profile from the sample was consistent with the mitochondrial DNA profile obtained from John O’Keefe,” Chart said. This testing method, inherited maternally, excluded 99.895% of the U.S. population as possible contributors.
Cell Phone Data Examination
State Police Detective Lt. Brian Tully testified on cell phone location data, illustrating Karen Read’s movements on the night of O’Keefe’s death. Tully explained that while exact locations couldn’t be determined, general areas were identified based on cell phone antenna connections.
“Between 12:33 a.m. and 6:03 a.m., Read’s cell phone records showed 53 calls to O’Keefe’s cell phone,” Tully revealed. Surveillance footage and cell phone data suggested Read traveled near critical locations but did not directly proceed to her destination when searching for O’Keefe.
Defense Challenges Evidence
Defense attorney Alan Jackson cross-examined Tully, questioning discrepancies in reports and the failure to search inside the house at 34 Fairview Road. Jackson pointed out inconsistencies in the number of tail light plastic pieces found at the scene.
“Where did the extra two pieces of plastic come from?” Jackson asked, highlighting potential errors in evidence handling.
Tully admitted to possible mistakes but defended the investigation’s integrity. Jackson also challenged the cell phone location data’s accuracy, suggesting it was “physically impossible” for Read’s phone to move at the implied speed based on antenna connections.
Prosecution’s Stand
Norfolk County prosecutors allege Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV while intoxicated, leaving him unresponsive in frigid temperatures. State Police Detective Lt. Tully testified about a piece of clear tail light plastic with abrasions consistent with injuries on O’Keefe’s body.
“I’d be comfortable in saying the marks on Mr. O’Keefe are consistent with—” Tully began before being interrupted by a defense objection.
Defense’s Argument
Read’s attorney, David Yannetti, maintains her innocence, arguing that others are responsible for O’Keefe’s death. The defense asserts that discrepancies in the evidence and investigative procedures undermine the prosecution’s case.
As the trial continues, testimony and evidence examination remain critical. Judge Beverly Cannone has dismissed court for the day, with the trial on schedule. The court will reconvene to further investigate the circumstances surrounding John O’Keefe’s tragic death.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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