Jurors Visit Crime Scene in Karen Read Case

The jury in the Karen Read case will visit the alleged crime scene in Canton. This visit aims to give them a better understanding of the events that took place on January 29, 2022. The scene is the home where John O’Keefe, Read’s boyfriend, was found unresponsive in the snow. The jurors will see the house and the surrounding area. They will also see Read’s Lexus SUV parked in front of the home. The SUV will have its passenger-side taillight removed, which is different from the photos they have seen. The jurors are not allowed to take notes or photographs during the visit. They are only allowed to look around and observe. The jurors heard from Dr. Garrey Faller, a pathologist. He talked about the blood alcohol testing procedures at Good Samaritan Medical Center. Faller explained that the hospital has strict protocols for blood collection and testing. He mentioned that using an alcohol swab can lead to false positives in blood alcohol tests. The hospital had removed most alcohol swabs from the emergency room before January 2022 to prevent mistakes. Read’s blood test showed an alcohol level of 93 mg/dl. Faller also discussed potential interferences in blood tests, such as hemolysis, high bilirubin, and high lipids. He noted that the testing machine can flag these interferences.

The defense attorney, Elizabeth Little, questioned Faller about the lab’s methods. She pointed out that the hospital lab is clinical, not forensic. Faller argued that the methods used in hospitals are just as reliable. He also talked about rare conditions that can affect blood alcohol test results, such as internal alcohol production and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels. Faller admitted that the lab did not consider Read’s multiple sclerosis and anemia during testing. The judge, Beverly Cannone, explained the purpose of the visit. She said it would help the jurors understand the evidence better. The lawyers will accompany the jurors and give them instructions on what to look for. The jurors will focus on the street, front yard, and specific details of the SUV. The defense lawyer, David Yannetti, encouraged the jurors to use their own observations. He said their eyes are the best tools for assessing the scene. The trial is the second for Karen Read. The first trial ended in a mistrial last July due to a deadlocked jury. The jurors will visit the same scene as in the first trial. The media is barred from filming or photographing the jurors during the visit. Spectators and press must stay 100 yards away. The jurors heard Read’s final text messages with O’Keefe and testimony from a friend who was with them on January 28, 2022. O’Keefe’s messages showed tension in their relationship, but his friend did not see any arguments that night.

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