Karen Reed Declines to Testify in Her Defense

Murder suspect Karen Reed informed reporters outside a Massachusetts courtroom on Tuesday that she will not testify in her retrial regarding the death of former Boston police officer John O’Keefe.

Experts have suggested that Reed’s defense has strategically saved its most impactful witness, aiming to challenge Dr. Andrew Lenzschler’s assertions about how her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, died. The jurors are expected to pause on Thursday for instructions from the judge, resuming deliberations on Friday following closing arguments.

Reed, aged 45, stands accused of hitting O’Keefe, 46, with a 2021 Lexus LX 570 SUV on January 29, 2022. O’Keefe was found dead with a fractured skull during a blizzard.

The defense argued that Reed’s vehicle did not strike O’Keefe. Over two days, Lenzschler provided testimony explaining that O’Keefe’s injuries were inconsistent with being hit by a vehicle. He commented, “I don’t think an injury aligns with being struck by an SUV traveling around 24 mph.” He noted that O’Keefe had no broken bones in his right arm and only superficial abrasions, which further casts doubt on the prosecution’s narrative.

During cross-examination, special counsel Hank Brennan challenged Lenzschler’s thoroughness, pointing out that he failed to consider crushed pieces of taillights found near O’Keefe and stuck to his clothing.

David Gelman, a defense attorney from the Philadelphia area, remarked, “Prosecutors will likely focus on this aspect.” He expressed that closures are crucial for both sides, noting the strong personalities of the attorneys involved will push the case forward.

In the context of this so-called expert battle, legal analysts believe that Lenzschler could effectively conclude the defense’s case.

Attorney Mark Bedero highlighted that Lenzschler made clear why the prosecution’s theory regarding the SUV-pedestrian incident seemed implausible, indicating a lack of evidence to support it, such as injuries to O’Keefe’s arms and missing fabric from his hoodie. He suggested that Lenzschler’s testimony might compel the prosecution to reconsider their approach.

The opposing expert, Dr. Judson Welcher, argued that Reed’s SUV directly influenced O’Keefe’s fall, leading to his fatal injury. Some observers believe the timing of expert testimony plays a significant role in the trial’s outcome.

Judge Jack Lou asserted that having Lenzschler appear last is a conventional and effective strategy for the defense. He noted that both experts exhibited questionable methodologies in their conclusions.

As the judge has provided a break for the jury to regroup, they will return on Friday for final instructions and discussions.