Will Karen Read testify in her own defense? Here’s what she said about her trial

Karen Read, who is accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, in January 2022, addressed the possibility of testifying in defence. She has spoken to reporters outside the Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts.

“Have you made a decision about if you’re going to be testifying?” NBC10 Boston’s Kirsten Glavin asked.

“I haven’t [decided], I’ll do whatever is required,” Read said. “It’s up to the attorneys.”

Legal experts have explained that defense attorneys are typically very hesitant to call a defendant to testify, as it can be a risky move that opens them up to questioning from the prosecution.

“From a defense attorney’s perspective, you almost never want to put a defendant on the stand,” said legal expert Katherine Loftus. “Generally, you only do it if it’s absolutely necessary. In this case, I don’t see any reason for her to take the stand.”

Loftus noted that it could be a consideration if the prosecution had a very strong case against Read, but even then, it would be “very risky.”

What is Read’s defence?

Read’s defense team has centered on allegations of a cover-up involving members of law enforcement, claiming that O’Keefe was beaten inside a home and then left outside, rather than being struck by Read’s vehicle. There are no eyewitnesses to the alleged murder.

As the trial continues, the decision of whether Karen Read will testify remains in the hands of her legal team.