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Who to watch as Karen Read's defense steps up to plate – and it's not slugger Alan Jackson
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Karen Read’s defense team of heavy-hitting attorneys is looking to tear down the prosecution’s murder case against her after the state rested its case this week.
Read is accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, outside an acquaintance’s house party just after midnight on Jan. 29, 2022.
The prosecution alleges that Read struck O’Keefe with her 2021 Lexus SUV in a drunken rage after an evening of fighting before leaving him to freeze to death in the front yard of 34 Fairview Road.
KAREN READ DEFENSE GRILLS CRASH EXPERT OVER $400K PRICE TAG AND EXPERIMENTATION METHODS
Karen Read speaks with her defense attorney, Alan Jackson, during her retrial in Norfolk Superior Court, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell, Pool)
Special prosecutor Hank Brennan rested the state’s case on Thursday, nearly two months after jury selection began. Brennan’s final witness, Aperture crash reconstructionist Dr. Judson Welcher spent three days on the stand providing testimony on his findings supporting the state’s allegations that Read fatally struck O’Keefe with her vehicle.
He pointed to his own experimentation using a Lexus taillight and wet paint to illustrate how O’Keefe could have sustained the injuries to his arm, and he said that a “glancing” blow from the vehicle could explain why the victim didn’t have typical car-strike injuries.
Images of an accident reconstruction test by Dr. Judson Welcher are shown during the Karen Read retrial at Norfolk Superior Court on May 28, 2025. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)
“If you impact the hand with a 1-inch narrow metal bar, that’s a lot different than if you have a broad, plastic taillight or rear body panel,” Welcher said. “So when you have distributed loads, you can take much more.”
Read’s defense team is set to begin presenting their case on Friday as attorneys Alan Jackson, David Yannetti and Robert Alessi look to sow doubt around the state’s allegations, with Yannetti viewed as the strongest member of Read’s team by local experts.
KAREN READ’S SUV REACHED ‘74% THROTTLE’ MOMENTS BEFORE JOHN O’KEEFE’S FINAL MOVEMENTS, CRASH EXPERT TESTIFIES
Defense attorney David Yannetti listens to testimony during the trial of Karen Read in Norfolk Superior Court, May 16, 2025. (Mark Stockwell/The Sun Chronicle, AP Pool)
“David Yannetti is the best trial lawyer in the case,” retired Massachusetts Superior Court Judge and Boston College law professor Jack Lu told Fox News Digital, “with the possible exception of Brennan.”
Yannetti is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and has been with Read since before her first trial.
“He has the range that Mr. Brennan might lack,” Lu said. “Brennan, with all his spectacular talent, mostly has one speed, well, two speeds. Yannetti, an award-winning advocate since law school, has seen it all and fights for a position from which the defense can possibly salvage things.”
KAREN READ JUDGE BLOCKS SANDRA BIRCHMORE MENTIONS; EXPERT SAYS CASES SHOULD BE WAKE-UP CALL FOR POLICE
Karen Read appears in Norfolk County Superior Court for a pretrial hearing. She is charged with the murder of her boyfriend, John O’Keefe. (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
The defense will look to dismantle the state’s case, which often pointed to Read’s interviews with various news outlets, addressing the public in her own words.
“So I thought, ‘Could I have run him over?’” Read said in a 2024 interview with Investigation Discovery. “Did he try to get me as I was leaving and I didn’t know it?”
Read’s legal team insists her vehicle never came in contact with O’Keefe while pointing to the possibility that something or someone else was responsible for the police officer’s death.
KAREN READ DEFENSE FLOATS THEORY THAT ‘JEALOUS’ BRIAN HIGGINS FOUGHT JOHN O’KEEFE BEFORE DEATH
Karen Read listens to the cross examination by Robert Alessi of expert accident witness Dr. Judson Welcher while seated at the defense table with her attorneys Alan Jackson and David Yannetti during her retrial at Norfolk Superior Court, Wednesday May 28, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)
“And then when I hired David Yannetti, I asked him those questions,” Read said in the same clip. “The night of Jan. 29, David, what if I ran his foot over? Or what if I clipped him in the knee and he passed out or went to care for himself and threw up or passed out? And David said, ‘Yeah, then you have some element of culpability.’”
Lu believes the primary goal for the defense team should be to humanize Read in a way that paints her in a favorable light to the jurors while taking aim at an alleged cover-up scheme by the Massachusetts Police Department.
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“The prosecutor has made her into a self-absorbed caricature,” Lu told Fox News Digital, adding, “They must get into the hatred of her by [former investigator] Michael Proctor.”
Officer John O’Keefe poses for his official headshot. O’Keefe’s girlfriend, Karen Reed, is currently on trial for murder after he was found dead outside of a Massachusetts home in January 2022. (Boston Police Department)
Proctor is on the witness list, but it remains unclear whether the defense will put him on the stand. Prosecutors did not call him this time around after his testimony in the first trial saw jurors shaking their heads as they heard his inappropriate texts about Read in court. The case ended in a mistrial, and he lost his job days before the second trial kicked off.
Read has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, she faces the possibility of life in prison for the most serious charge of second-degree murder.
“Right now Ms. Read’s legal case is badly wounded,” Lu said. “Mr. Yannetti has the ability to charm the jury, fight the judge as needed, present the defense witnesses – some of whom are hostile – and in closing, inspire the jury.”
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New Hampshire
U.S. Forest Service Reorg Talk | Films | Stories In A Park: Week Ahead Events On Concord Patch
So get out!
Event listings are free on one Patch site. You can share your calendar info on other community sites for a modest fee, starting at 25 cents per day. To get started, visit the Events link on the front page of all Patch sites. Statewide calendar roundups are published on most Sundays and Wednesdays. Visit any of the 227 New Hampshire Patch Event sites (patch.com/map/new-hampshire) for updated listings.
Three New Jersey teenagers who vanished from a train station on Friday were found safe in Connecticut. Authorities used K9s and drones in an extensive search, but the motive behind their actions remains unclear.
Three New Jersey teenagers, Brayden Morrissey, 14, Dominic Diliberto, 14, and William Connolly, 17, who vanished from the Denville train station on Friday, were found safe in Stamford, Connecticut. Authorities launched an extensive search using K9s and drones, eventually locating the teens in a different state. The motive behind their actions is still being investigated.
Small-town Pennsylvania makes the right summer trip when the itinerary calls for peace and quiet. In the ten sweet spots highlighted below, you’ll find attractions secretly worthy of a larger crowd, but happily flying under the radar. Lititz invites visitors to tour America’s first commercial pretzel bakery and commune with wolves. New Hope pairs riverside charm with live performances at the historic Bucks County Playhouse. In Jim Thorpe, scenic train rides through the Lehigh Gorge compete for attention with concerts overlooking the Pocono Mountains. It’s all here in Pennsylvania if you know where to look.
Jim Thorpe
Named for a famed Olympic athlete despite the fact that he never lived there, Jim Thorpe stands as a jewel of the Poconos and a quiet destination for a summer adventure. The natural beauty of the area is on full display during a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. This train will take you through nearby forests and give you a real appreciation of the expansive views of the Poconos from the comfort of a train car. In town, there’s plenty to do in the summer, especially if you enjoy the arts. The Mauch Chunk Opera House pays homage to the town’s original name and frequently hosts live music from local performers. And when the weather is nice, there’s few better venues for a concert than Penn’s Peak. In this beautiful outdoor setting, you’ll have a chance to enjoy the quality of entertainment you’d expect in a city like Philadelphia without the crowds.
Lititz
In the heart of Amish country, Lititz feels like a time capsule. The town has a rustic feel, with buildings that have stood for more than 100 years. The first stop during any trip should be the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. This local landmark has been making pretzels by hand since 1861, and you can schedule a tour during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds and even make your own. For a unique experience, check out the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, where you can take a tour and see the resident wolves up close. Come during a full moon for their special events. Summer festivities heat up at Lititz Springs Park during the Fourth of July for its annual celebration of the nation’s birthday with vendors and attractions.
Zelienople
Zelienople (or Zelie, as many locals call it) is about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh and offers a quiet alternative to the big city for a summer trip. The Strand Theater has been a popular destination in the town since it opened in 1914. In its new restored state, it frequently shows classic movies, hosts concerts, or puts on live shows. The Passavant House was the first house built in Zelienople. It now hosts a museum with period furniture and unique pieces, such as wreaths made from human hair. And if you’re hungry, Zelienople has plenty to offer. ShuBrew is a popular brewpub right by the Strand Theater that features craft beers and artisanal pizzas that will be a hit with your entire party.
Renovo
If your ideal summer getaway involves peaceful exploration of trails in forests near the Susquehanna River, Renovo should be your top destination. Staying in Renovo puts you right next to Hyner View State Park, featuring a hilltop that gives you a wide view of the river valley. And if you’re the adventurous sort, you can even hang glide off the hill. Closer to town is Bucktail State Park Natural Area. There, you’ll have a chance to see local wildlife, fish, and snap pictures of the river without seeing a soul. Back in town, you can enjoy a casual meal at Socky’s, a laid-back diner with delicious pizzas and breakfasts, or bring the kids to the 16th Street Park to play on the playground or shoot hoops at the basketball court.
Wellsboro
Wellsboro is the ideal vacation spot for art lovers, as this tiny town near the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania offers several unique opportunities to appreciate the arts. The Arcadia Theater on Main Street has been entertaining residents and visitors since 1920. Inside, you’ll find four screens, and frequent live shows and musical productions. For a different vibe, check out the Deane Center for the Performing Arts further down Main Street, with community productions of everything from plays to musicals. And come in June to experience the unforgettable Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival. During the festival, you’ll have a chance to see local art, concerts, and much more for an entire week.
Ohiopyle
With a population well below 100, Ohiopyle is one of the smallest towns in Pennsylvania. When you want a crowd-free summer, it’s hard to get quieter than that. It serves as the gateway to Ohiopyle State Park, which surrounds the town and boasts over 20,000 acres of beautiful forest in the Laurel Highlands, with trails, rivers for fishing, and kayaking. For the best whitewater rafting experience, book a guided trip at Ohiopyle Trading Post. In town, accommodations include vacation rentals and well-appointed cabins at Ohiopyle Suites. If you don’t mind a slightly bigger crowd, the annual Beer and Gear Festival in the summer gives you a chance to enjoy live music and craft beers while you gear up with equipment for a trip to the state park in a fun, community-led event.
New Hope
New Hope is a youthful, artistic community on the banks of the Delaware River. The highlight of this town’s creative spirit is the Bucks County Playhouse, a former gristmill that now hosts live music, plays, and more. No matter when you make your trip to New Hope in the summer, you’ll likely find a show worth attending, right in the heart of town. Down South Main Street, you’ll find Gallery Piquel. It hosts a variety of artwork from local artists, and the owners are always happy to answer any questions you have about the pieces on display. For a scenic feel, book a ticket on the New Hope Railroad to enjoy riding in luxury along its scenic track. The railroad also offers many themed excursions for adventurous travelers.
State College
Home to Penn State University, State College is a bustling city during the academic year when students are in attendance. However, it becomes much quieter in the summer, making this the perfect time to visit one of America’s most beautiful campuses. The Arboretum at Penn State hosts a diverse selection of trees and flowers from around the world, and everything is in full bloom in the summer. Right next door is the Palmer Museum of Art, with rotating exhibits that feature artwork from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. After a day spent exploring, you can treat yourself to some of the best ice cream in the world at the Penn State Berkey Creamery.
Somerset
Somerset is a quiet Pennsylvania town that has seen its fair share of history. In 1794, it was the site of the Whiskey Rebellion and the home of several leaders. More than 200 years later, the town would again be in the news when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a nearby field during the attacks on September 11th. This is where you’ll find the Flight 93 National Memorial honoring the lives and bravery of the victims. You can also learn more about the impressive operation to save trapped miners at the Quecreek Mine Rescue Site in town. Despite these important events, Somerset stands as a quiet town that’s perfect for a summer getaway, particularly if you’re a nature lover, as Laurel Hill State Park sits right by the town, with over 4,000 acres for camping, swimming, and hiking.
Clarion
Clarion is a quiet town in Western Pennsylvania that sees most of its visitors during the fall for an annual festival. In summer, the town is relatively quiet, but there’s still plenty to do that makes it worth the trip. The town is home to several delicious places to get a bite to eat or enjoy the local brew. Toby Hill Bar & Grill is a local spot with classic bar food and frequent live shows on weekends. And to get a true taste of Clarion, take a trip to Mechanistic Brewing Co. with beer and mixed drinks you won’t find anywhere else in Pennsylvania. For nature lovers, Clarion is a can’t-miss summer destination. It sits right by Cook Forest State Park, one of the best in the state, with 29 miles of trails, ample fishing and camping opportunities, and a beautiful pine and hemlock forest.
Unforgettable Summer Trips in Pennsylvania Without the Crowds
From rafting the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle and taking in the views from Hyner View State Park near Renovo to exploring theaters in Wellsboro and galleries in New Hope, Pennsylvania’s small towns offer a wide variety of summer experiences. History buffs can reflect at Somerset’s Flight 93 National Memorial, food lovers can sample handcrafted pretzels in Lititz and local brews in Clarion, while outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities in the state’s forests, rivers, and parks. Whether you’re drawn to arts and culture, scenic landscapes, or fascinating local history, these destinations showcase a quieter side of Pennsylvania that is every bit as memorable as its better-known attractions.
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