Karen Read defense expert challenges hit-and-run theory with collision tests showing key inconsistencies

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Karen Read’s legal team is nearing the end of the case for her defense with crash reconstruction expert Dr. Daniel Wolfe called to the stand Friday.

Dr. Wolfe presented video evidence to the jury, featuring several simulations of a collision involving a 2021 Lexus LX 570 SUV and a crash dummy. This was to replicate the purported impact of Read’s vehicle, which is of the same make and model, on her ex-boyfriend, John O’Keefe. She is accused of killing him in an alleged drunk driving accident and fleeing the scene.

In each simulation, at speeds ranging from 10 to 29 mph, the damage to the vehicle’s taillight was “inconsistent” with that damage police recorded on Read’s actual taillight.

Karen Read in court during her retrial facing murder charges in connection to the death of John O’Keefe

Karen Read attends her murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (Libby O’Neill/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

Special prosecutor Hank Brennan unsuccessfully tried to have Wolfe and a colleague, Dr. Andrew Renstchler, blocked from testifying before the start of the trial.

Wolfe testified during the first trial, which ended with a deadlocked jury, that damage to Read’s SUV is inconsistent with a collision involving O’Keefe.

Read told reporters outside court Wednesday that her defense could rest as soon as next Tuesday. There was no court on Thursday.

She could face up to life in prison if convicted. Her first trial, in which the defense claimed she had been framed, ended with a deadlocked jury last year.

You May Also Like
Alex Murdaugh's lawyer vows to dismantle infamous kennel video as defense weighs another turn on the stand

Alex Murdaugh Lawyer Targets Key Kennel Video as Defense Considers Another Testimony Twist

Alex Murdaugh’s legal team says it is prepared to confront the key…
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady amid resurgent inflation

Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady as Inflation Pressures Reemerge

The Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate steady on Wednesday as…
Florida couple sues fertility clinic after allegedly giving birth to someone else's baby

Florida Couple Settles With Biological Parents in Alleged IVF Embryo Mix-Up Case

A Florida couple who say a fertility clinic mistakenly implanted the wrong…
Israel launches 'Biblical Highway' amid campaign to erase Jewish history

Israel’s “Biblical Highway”: New Route Counters Efforts to Erase Jewish History

Israel to inaugurate a new ‘Biblical Highway’ Israel’s government on Tuesday approved…
Mariah Carey, Chloe Bailey, Ali Wong to guest star on final season of 'The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder'

Mariah Carey, Chloe Bailey and Ali Wong Set to Guest Star in Final Season of ‘The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder’

Disney+ has unveiled the lineup of guest stars set to appear in…
Social Security recipients face looming benefit cuts. Can the program be saved?

Social Security Benefit Cuts Loom: Can Congress Save the Program in Time?

Social Security is heading toward a major financial deadline: its trust fund…
Pixar's new curly hair technology in 'Toy Story 5' advances diversity in the animation space

Toy Story 5’s New Curly Hair Technology Marks a Major Leap for Diversity in Animation

LOS ANGELES — Pixar is once again pushing its animation tools forward,…
Gilgo Beach serial killer joins infamous group of monsters as he opens ghoulish mind to FBI

Judge gives Rex Heuermann maximum sentence in Gilgo Beach serial killings case

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. — Rex Heuermann, the Long Island serial killer who confessed…
Smiling suspect stands out as authorities release mugshots of 5 accused in alleged White House UFC attack plot

Authorities release mugshots of five suspects in alleged White House UFC attack plot, with one image drawing attention

New details emerge on alleged UFC terror plot targeting White House Authorities…
Guards at 'Alligator Alcatraz' beat, pepper-sprayed detainees, lawyer says

DHS Evacuates All Detainees From ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ as Hurricane Threat Forces Emergency Move

All detainees housed at “Alligator Alcatraz,” a migrant detention center in the…
LaGuardia shuts down runway for second time in weeks after pavement issue resurfaces

LaGuardia Closes Runway Again as Recurring Pavement Problem Disrupts Flights

Sinkhole at LaGuardia Airport forces runway shutdown amidst busy holiday travel A…
President Donald Trump delays nomination hearing for own director of intelligence, or DNI, nominee Jay Clayton amid FISA lapse

Trump Delays Jay Clayton DNI Hearing as FISA Lapse Sparks Intelligence Oversight Questions

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Wednesday threw his own nominee’s confirmation…