Jun 3, 2025 - News

No Karen Read mistrial over dog bite flap

Mike Deehan

diagram of dog teeth — A chart of canine teeth was shown to the jury Monday. Photo: Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Karen Read murder trial Judge Beverly Cannone rejected the defense's motions for a mistrial Tuesday.

State of play: Defense expert Marie Russell testified the wounds on victim John O'Keefe's body came from dog bites and not a vehicle impact as prosecutors allege.

Prosecutors say dog DNA wasn't found on O'Keefe's clothing.
That caused Read's defense team to make a mistrial motion, saying the mention of dog DNA was inadmissible evidence.
The judge ruled DNA-related questions could continue.

Why it matters: Russell's testimony supports the defense theory that O'Keefe was attacked inside the Canton home where he was later found dead outside.

Zoom in: Russell said scratches on O'Keefe's arm showed patterns consistent with a dog.

Catch up quick: Read faces second-degree murder charges for allegedly backing into her boyfriend O'Keefe while dropping him off during a January 2022 blizzard.

A hung jury ended her first trial last year.

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No Karen Read mistrial over dog bite flap

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