Dear BOLO Subscribers,
Today’s testimony in the Karen Read trial was one of the most disheartening moments I’ve experienced in court in a long time. I’ve said from the beginning that I believe Karen Read caused the death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. I still do. But what I witnessed today makes me question whether the Commonwealth is capable of delivering a conviction that will stand up to appeal—because once again, the prosecution’s case was torpedoed not by the defense, but by its own witness.
This afternoon, digital forensics “expert” Shanon Burgess took the stand. He was presented as a seasoned professional, backed by a glowing résumé and a long list of impressive-sounding credentials. But under cross-examination, Burgess admitted something stunning: he lied on his CV. The bachelor’s degree he claimed to have? He never earned it. That was made painfully clear in front of the jury.
Folks, this isn’t a clerical error. And in a case already marred by investigative missteps, destroyed evidence, and political infighting, it’s another credibility killer for the prosecution. If the state wants to secure justice for John O’Keefe, it has to do better. Much better. An expert witness must be above reproach. Jurors rely on them to translate complex science and digital evidence into trustworthy conclusions. When that trust is broken, the entire case teeters. And unfortunately, this isn’t the first stumble. From failed evidence preservation to questionable witness handling, the Commonwealth’s missteps have handed the defense repeated opportunities to cast reasonable doubt.
The truth is, I still believe Karen Read is responsible for O’Keefe’s death. Convictions require more than confidence—it requires competence. And this case is showing cracks that could be exploited not just in this courtroom, but in a future appeals court.
As I sat there watching Burgess unravel under oath, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of disappointment. Not because a flawed expert tanked a portion of the prosecution’s case—but because this trial is supposed to be about justice for a man who dedicated his life to protecting others.
Let me be clear: this case isn’t over. But if the Commonwealth doesn’t tighten up its presentation, vet its experts, and get control of its narrative, it may be over sooner than they think—and not in the way John O’Keefe deserves. Thanks for following this case with me. We’ll keep pressing for truth, accountability, and justice—no matter how uncomfortable that gets. MK
