Testimony in Karen Read's Murder Retrial

On Monday, a paramedic provided crucial testimony in the retrial of Karen Read. She recounted repeatedly hearing Read declare, "I hit him," after discovering her boyfriend, Boston cop John O'Keefe, lying unconscious in the snow near a Massachusetts residence in 2022.

The prosecution contends that after a night out drinking in Canton, Read accidentally ran over O'Keefe with her SUV, a Lexus, as they left an event hosted by a fellow officer. She allegedly abandoned him to face severe weather in January 2022, leading to his death from a combination of cold exposure and head trauma, as the autopsy concluded.

New Trial Proceedings

Following the dissolution of a jury in the previous trial, Read faces a second round in court. She is charged with second-degree murder, operating a vehicle while intoxicated resulting in manslaughter, and abandoning the scene of a fatal accident. Despite this, Read maintains her innocence. Her defense team criticizes the police investigation, labeling it as flawed and suggesting coordinated witness collusion regarding O'Keefe's demise.

Paramedic's Courtroom Account

Among those who took the stand was Katie McLaughlin, a firefighter and paramedic from Canton who responded to the scene. She recounted the chilling exchange with Read as she sought information about O'Keefe's condition in the early hours of January 29, 2022.

Reiterating her account from the first trial, McLaughlin stated that Read confessed, "I hit him," while she was probing into the sequence of events that led to O'Keefe's condition.

According to McLaughlin, she heard this incriminating statement from Read four times.

Law Enforcement's Presence

At the scene, an officer prompted his supervising sergeant to attend, following McLaughlin's observation.

McLaughlin opted not to seek clarification from Read. Given the emotionally charged situation, she felt it was inappropriate to probe further. She believed that addressing such matters was beyond her role and more appropriate for police intervention.

Subsequently, McLaughlin communicated Read's alleged admission to her colleagues in the ambulance.

Scene and Relationships

O'Keefe's body was discovered near the property of Brian Albert, another Boston police officer.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Alan Jackson pressed McLaughlin on her associations with Caitlin Albert, Brian's daughter. He pointed out their mutual attendance at social events.

McLaughlin clarified her acquaintance with Caitlin Albert, emphasizing they shared mutual friends and social gatherings but denied a personal friendship.

Defense Inquiry and Memory

Jackson inquired whether McLaughlin made any records of what she allegedly heard. McLaughlin responded that she did not. She only noted O'Keefe's demographic details on her glove, like name and birth date.

Asked how she recalled Read's words precisely, she affirmed such statements were unforgettable for her.

Witness Collaboration

Jennifer McCabe, another prosecution witness, also supported McLaughlin's testimony. She confirmed hearing Read state, "I hit him," with McLaughlin by her side.