Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/r2vEF0vxG2w

Day 10 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on May 6, 2025. We finished up Cross Examination of Lt. Paul Gallagher, along with Re-Directs and Re-Cross. When he was clearing the area with the leaf blower, he never found a hat, a shoe, and red pieces of plastic tail lights. He was also questioned why he never got a search warrant to the premises of 34 Fairview Rd.

Meteorologist, Robert Gilman, testified next and talked about the ground being frozen, the amount of snow on the ground, and visibility conditions at the time of the incident. Defense Attorney Robert Alessi used this testimony to highlight the relatively little amount of snow and good visibility when John arrived at 34 Fairview Rd. The Meteorologist also brought up the concept of windchill to argue about the potential effect on O'Keefe's body and to question whether he could have died from the cold outside.

Video clips of Karen Read in interviews with media saying she could have clipped John in the leg were played tot he jury.

Trooper Nick Guarino was recalled to the stand for the final time to bring in timeline evidence of evidence of Karen Read's communication with John O'Keefe's cell phone around the time they arrived to 34 Fairview Rd. Missed calls, voice messages, and texts messages varied from angry and accusatory around midnight to panicked at towards the morning up until she found John O'Keefe's body. A key piece of evidence is that Karen Read's cell phone automatically connected to John O'Keefe's home Wi-Fi Router at 12:36am.

Lt. Charles Rae testified to going to 1 Meadows where John O'Keefe lived to do a wellness check on his niece and nephew. No one answered the door because by the time they arrived their, John's friends and family had already taken care of the kids. He was able to bring in footage from his dash cam showing Karen Read's SUV was at 1 Meadows and had a cracked tail light and some snow inside it.

Kevin O'Hara from SERT was brought in to testify about evidence recovery around 5pm on January 29th. Their focus was initially on the area near the road to avoid evidence being plowed away. Five to six pieces of tail light and a shoe were found near the curb line. O'Hara testified that a man in a hoodie from 34 Faireview came outside the house asked "Are you here for what happened earlier?" And O'Hara replied, "Yes." And then the person just went back inside.

Today's focus is on foundational testimony and evidence gathering, setting the stage for future discussions from accident reconstructionist. Though it was a less dramatic exchange between attorneys and witnesses than some previous days, how the jury will interpret the information, video clips and timeline presentation will impact the verdict.

RESOURCES

What You Need to Know About the Retrial - https://youtu.be/89Jpa8vz1RQ

Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo

Karen Read Trial - 2024 - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKUeCUzApgsEuQRXu5IXeTS

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/CQm0FID9AXY

Day 9 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on May 5, 2025. We continue with Cross Examination and finishing up the testimony of Hannah Knowles from the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory who explains the blood alcohol conversions and retrograde extrapolation, and how timing is critical in this case. Testimonies from Ryan Nagle, Heather Maxom, and Sarah Levinson provide insights into the events at 34 Fairview, including arrival times and observations of Karen Read's SUV. Sarah Levenson's surprisingly states never seeing the dog, Chloe, at the Albert's residence despite being friends with Brian Albert Jr. for many years.

Katie McLaughlin, the female EMT who Jen McCabe stated Karen read said, "I hit him" three time in front of took the said. She also said that she heard Karen read say, "I hit him," but it was four times. Cross-examination by Alan Jackson focused on the timing of these statements and used dashcam video to break down these interactions and how her testimony does match up with what is happening on the video. Unfortunately, Jackson spent a majority of the time trying to get a "gotcha" moment by trying to prove that Katie McLaughlin and Caitlin Albert are close friends but he was unable to recreate that moment from the first trial due Special Prosecutor allowing Katie to explain her acquaintance relationship with Caitlin ahead of the Cross Examination. Jackson did manage to impeach Katie based on her words of first trial where she said that she knew of a girl by the name of Caitlin Albert that went to her school but that victory was short lived because he tried to being in picture evidence that kept being objected and sustained by Judge Cannone.

Last witness of the day, Lt. Paul Gallagher, worked for the Canton Police Department at the time of the John O'Keefe's death and was the site supervisor. His testimony reveals issues with evidence handling and a lack of reports. It was his decision to use a leaf blower on the snow to uncover evidence, put blood found in the snow in Red Solo Cup and then transport them in Stop & Shop bags and found and handled the shattered drinking cocktail glass. Lt. Gallagher never wrote a report about his methods or even logged evidence with the blood he transferred. Questions about the chain of custody and why crucial information regarding Karen Read's statements was not relayed to the site supervisor. We also learn that Lieutenant Gallagher was not interviewed until just before the previous trial on April 3, 2024 by the Prosecution. We will resume with Cross Examination on Day 10. Stay tuned as we continue to follow the Karen Read Retrial and provide detailed breakdowns of each day's proceedings.

RESOURCES

What You Need to Know About the Retrial - https://youtu.be/89Jpa8vz1RQ

Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo

Karen Read Trial - 2024 - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKUeCUzApgsEuQRXu5IXeTS

Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to https://honeylove.com/LAWNERD! #honeylovepod #ad

Jury selection begins today, May 5th, for the Diddy trial! Get the details on expert witnesses, defense team changes, and what to expect in this federal case. You might remember Dr. Donna Hughes from the Depp v Heard trial. She is an expert witness in the Diddy trial and her testimony has been limited. Remember, this hearing will not be televised but court reports inside will provide updates on various online platforms.

Bryan Kohberger has a sealed hearing coming up. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was for discussion for a plea deal. Testimony about “Busy Eyebrows” are allowed to come in and the judge denied motions to remove the death penalty. The court revealed a possible timeline of events or the night of the murders and surviving witnesses' experiences. There is also a possibility that the hearing will be postponed due to the defense needing more time and being unable to adequately represent the defendant.

The trial of Donna Adelson is continued due to more digital evidence being turned over. We don’t have a new date yet. Kouri Richins trial continues to be put over indefinitely pending an appeal for change of venue.

Week 2 of the Karen Read Retrial has just finished and is moving full speed ahead with week 3’s coverage. This gavel to gavel ride has been wild so far. The Emily Show channel and audio podcast has been providing Daily Case Briefs with key points and analysis of that day to keep you in the loop if you don’t have time to watch the whole trial day. If you haven’t experienced a live stream trial, now is the best time to hop on to The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel! I provide on the spot analysis and answer your questions in real time! I can’t wait to see what Former Trooper Proctor’s testimony will be and how the Prosecution will explain away his actions as the Lead Investigator.

RESOURCES

Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo

Karen Read Retrial Daily Case Brief Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH615L7OogpsbPNCPQBFXtJCd

Kouri Richins Change of Venue Hearing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzw2nF2Xayk

YSL / Young Thug RICO Case Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gLrrA5-0W1pG9P5S7Xk6Vpo

Depp v Heard Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gLVeg1x2AInDBfPU6-ffnD0

Bryan Kohberger Motions Hearing -

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/W1usvKtssDo

Day 8 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on May 2, 2025. The majority of the day revolved around the continued cross-examination of Jen McCabe by Alan Jackson. Her testimony is described as "incredibly difficult" and "evasive," with her struggling to answer direct questions. I break down what is and isn't a hostile witness since a lot of Law Nerds were wanting to know if it fits this situation.

Group text message from Matt McCabe said, "Tell them the guy never came in the house," is highlighted, and Jen McCabe explains that "the guy" refers to John O'Keefe and that the "them" are the news reporters.

McCabe is questioned about Google searches, particularly "hos long to die in cold," with discrepancies in her timeline and explanations. The 2:27 AM Google search time is also discussed, and McCabe claims she does not recall doing a search around that time.

Jen McCabe was also caught calling her sister, Nicole Albert, the homeowner at 34 Fairview Rd, at 5:07am, after speaking over the phone with John O'Keefe's niece. The call log shows that they spoke for 38 seconds but Jen denies speaking to her. Questions arise about why Jen McCabe did not go inside Brian Albert Sr's house (a first responder with CPR training) for help when John O'Keefe was found, instead making phone calls to her sister, Nicole Albert, after calling 911. Jackson even questioned why she didn't go in the house after finding a John O'Keefe on the lawn because her sister, Nicole, could have been in perils danger and wasn't answering the phone according to Jen. You must check out this episode to this to hear her explanations of this, butt dials, and all of the other discrepancies in her testimony.

The Re-Direct Examination, conducted by Special Prosecutor Brennan, focused on humanizing Jen McCabe and addressing claims of collusion among witnesses. In Re-Cross Examination where Alan Jackson brought up the issue of the suspended interview with federal agents.

Lastly, testimony of Hannah Knowles from the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory, regarding Karen Read's blood alcohol content (BAC), included the conversion from blood serum and retrograde extrapolation. Cross Examination of this witness will continue on Day 9.

RESOURCES

What You Need to Know About the Retrial - https://youtu.be/89Jpa8vz1RQ

Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo

Karen Read Trial - 2024 - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKUeCUzApgsEuQRXu5IXeTS

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/UwnYctoUtyU

Day 4 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on April 25, 2025. I covered it on May 1st when court was not in session. The Jury went to view the property at 34 Fairview Rd where John O'Keefe was found dead. Special Prosecutor Hank wanted the jury to observe specific details at the scene, such as the Lexus, rear tail light, bumper height, flagpole, and fire hydrant. David Yannetti ended his instructions with, "you will do a proper investigation." Judge Cannone reread the Jury View instructions, reinforcing that jurors are only to observe and not conduct their own investigations.

Dr. Garrey Faller, Chief of Pathology at Good Samaritan, testified to the methods of testing blood alcohol levels. At Cross Examination, attorney Elizabeth Little made a key point that the Hospital at Good Samaritan is a medical lab, not a forensic lab, meaning the blood test was for treatment purposes, not forensic purposes. This might not matter to jury as much due the interview clips of Karen Read admitting to driving slower while intoxicated and that she had been adding shots to her drink because they were weak so she didn't have as many as the Commonwealth had accounted for.

Jason Becker, the Fire Paramedic, who arrived at the scene with Daniel Whitley to put Karen Read in a Section 12 Hold. Mr. Becker had a conversation with Karen Read about her "last word" or "last conversation" with John O'Keefe. The Prosecution was aiming for it to seem that it could be about a fight they had when she dropped him off at 34 Fairview Rd while the Defense was aiming for it to be that Karen read was concerned about the voicemails she left him that night. Jason Becker said that Karen read tried to show him her phone about missed called but he refused to go through her phone. Mr. Becker said he never heard Karen mention anything about voicemails.

Whether the jury believes that Karen Read was upset about her last words to John O'Keefe being a fight in the car, or her voicemails after she left him at 34 Fairview Rd, could impact acquittal of charges 1 and 3 which needs to prove intent. Remember, if there are two reasonable interpretations, the jury must pick the interpretation that leads to innocence.

RESOURCES

What You Need to Know About the Retrial - https://youtu.be/89Jpa8vz1RQ

Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo

Karen Read Trial - 2024 - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKUeCUzApgsEuQRXu5IXeTS

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/tL9-DNEWaLo

Day 7 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on April 30, 2025. Jen McCabe is back on the stand with Direct Examination. Special Prosecutor, Hank Brennan, asked her to recount when Karen Read said, "I hit him, I hit him, I hit him." Jen said it was in front of a female EMT and she was shock that Karen would say something like that. Direct Examination end in the morning for Alan Jackson to come in hot for a fiery Cross Examination! Jackson confronted Jen McCabe about not telling the Grand Jury that Karen said that she hit John O'Keefe and in fact she only said "Could I have hit him?" and "Did I hit him?" Jen was very evasive with her answers and even questioned Jackson.

Judge Cannone would ask Jackson to move along because he would ask Jen McCabe the same question over and over again. Sometimes it would seem like he was making mountains of mole hills. Other times he would make snarky comments and the Judge would tell him to stop and tell the Jury to dismiss his comments.

Jackson pointed out how Jen was corroborating stories with everyone that had been at 34 Fairview Rd the night of the 28th and the morning of the 29th. It began as early as after the Police and First Responders left the scene. Jen even went as far as to ask Julie Nagle for a screenshot of a text message of when her brother, Ryan Nagle, arrived at 34 Fairview Rd to pick her up. Jen did not share that information with Law Enforcement.

The biggest discrepancy was that she initially lied to the FBI! The FBI showed up to Jen McCabe's to question her about the case. Jen asked them to wait for 10 mins before speaking with them. The FBI reminded her that it is crime to lie to them and they asked her if she called anyone before they began their conversation. Jen told them that she called her husband, Matt McCabe and her friend, Kerry Roberts. Jen ended the interview early because she felt uncomfortable with the questions they had asked her. Jen later called back the FBI to let them know that she "forgot" that she had also called 3 additional people during those 10 mins: Peggy O'Keefe, The District Attorney Witness Advocate, and Brian Albert Sr.

Judge Cannone had another Freudian slip by calling Jen McCabe- Ms. Read. Ouch!

There are many highlights of Jen McCabe seemingly being evasive but the biggest thing that didn't add up was her saying that she told Former Trooper Michael Proctor that she told him that she hear Karen Read say, "I hit him." However, that was not in his report. It doesn't make sense that Mr. Proctor didn't include that his report because that would have been perceived as a confession and Karen would have been in hand cuffs much sooner.

RESOURCES

Retrial Day 6 Case Brief - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV3yO_X6Eps

Sherri Papini Case - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVeiHSEo6VM

What You Need to Know About the Retrial - https://youtu.be/89Jpa8vz1RQ

Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo

Karen Read Trial - 2024 -

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/8gU9569DwaU

Day 6 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on April 29, 2025. The Cross Examination of Ian Whiffin continues with focusing on what was and wasn't included. Whiffin came under scrutiny, particularly when they admitted to not knowing the freezer's baseline temperature, the exact date of when he created his report or what the freezing temperature is in Fahrenheit. During Re-Direct, Whiffin demonstrated a tool he created for evaluating cell phone data.

Surprisingly, Jen McCabe took the stand while Special Prosecutor, Hank Brennan, upped the drama by asking questions like, "And then what happened that changed everything?" Jen's testimony is clearer and more direct than in the previous trial. There have been some things that are not consistent with what she said in the first trial and we'll see how that will be confronted during Cross Examination. The Judge cut off Jen McCabe's story when Karen, Kerry Roberts and her found John O'Keefe's body in the snow and she was doing chest compressions to try to revive him. We'll pick up the rest of Direct Examination on Day 7.

After the Jury was dismissed, Judge Cannone heard Brennan's Motion to Preclude ARCCA from Testifying New Opinions. The Judge Ruled in the Defense's favor and granted ARCCA to testify and enter in their report by May 7th though it wasn't without a tongue lashing. The Judge cited the Defendant's right to a fair trial as paramount even though she found that the Defense's Discovery Violations are ambushing the Prosecution's case. The Judge expects counsel comply with all rulings, rules of the court, all rules of professional conduct and no more nonsense!

RESOURCES

What You Need to Know About the Retrial - https://youtu.be/89Jpa8vz1RQ

Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo

Karen Read Trial - 2024 - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKUeCUzApgsEuQRXu5IXeTS

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/OaPz08BtHZc

Day 5 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on April 28, 2025. It began with testimony from Ian Whiffin of Cellebrite. He was approached by the Public Relations department to figure out why there is such confusion with the information from Jen McCabe's phone from the first trial. This new strategy from the Prosecution getting ahead of Jen McCabe's Google search for, "Hos long to die in cold," is smart and might take the string from that revelation when it is presented to the jury.

Mr. Whiffin created a Timeline, combining health data, temperature, call/text logs, and location data from O'Keefe's phone. Cross-examination was conducted by Robert Alessi by confirming points on the timeline and highlighting what was included or left out. The Cross Examination was cut short due to the jury having a half day so that the Voir Dire of the ARCCA witnesses could be done.

Hank Brennan did not use his time wisely when questioning the first ARCCA witness, Dr. Daniel Wolfe. Brennan accused Dr. Wolfe of being biased and assisting the defense with their case. Brennan yelled at Dr. Wolfe and didn't stop when the Judge asked him to. Judge Cannone eventually coaxed Brennan to move on and tighten his questioning with the next witness. The second ARCCA witness, Dr. Andrew Rentschler, admitted to having an uncomfortable lunch with Karen Read after he testified in court of the first trial. Judge Cannone requested ARCCA to send their report by May 7th. The Voir Dire is not done yet because the Prosecution and the Defense need to present their oral arguments. When will this happen? Stay tuned!

RESOURCES

Day 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Rj_yLDmgIU

What You Need to Know About the Retrial - https://youtu.be/89Jpa8vz1RQ

Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo

Karen Read Trial - 2024 - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKUeCUzApgsEuQRXu5IXeTS