Karen Learn Homicide Trial Resumes with Knowledgeable Witness Testimony on Canine Assault Accidents

Karen Learn Homicide Trial: Arguments Over Potential Witness Anticipated

The high-profile Karen Learn homicide trial resumes on Monday in Dedham with arguments over a possible witness who is anticipated to testify that John O’Keefe’s accidents are in line with a canine assault. Massachusetts State Police Sgt. Yuriy Bukhenik can even be again on the stand for continued cross-examination.

Background

Karen Learn of Mansfield, Massachusetts is accused of hitting and killing her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O’Keefe, together with her SUV after an evening of consuming. O’Keefe’s physique was discovered within the snow exterior Brian Albert’s dwelling in Canton on January 29, 2022.

Learn’s lead attorneys, Alan Jackson and David Yannetti, argue that she is the sufferer of a cover-up involving legislation enforcement and different witnesses. They declare O’Keefe might have been killed throughout a battle inside Albert’s dwelling after which introduced exterior.

Arguments over Alleged Canine Assault

Throughout a movement listening to scheduled for Monday, Decide Beverly Cannone will hear arguments from either side concerning potential upcoming testimony. The prosecution has filed a movement to exclude the testimony of the protection witness, Dr. Marie Russell, who claims scratches on O’Keefe’s arm might have been attributable to Brian Albert’s canine, Chloe, throughout a battle.

The state argues that they had been solely just lately notified of this witness and should not have adequate time to organize. It’s anticipated that Decide Cannone could enable non-public interviews with the witness to find out what can and can’t be mentioned in entrance of the jury.

Final Week’s Testimony

Final week within the Karen Learn homicide trial, vital testimony revolved round damaged taillight items discovered on the scene of O’Keefe’s demise, in addition to Learn’s alcohol consumption previous to the incident.

Sgt. Yuriy Bukhenik, the supervisor for Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator within the case, additionally took the stand. Learn’s protection attorneys have accused Proctor of planting proof to help buddies who’re witnesses within the case. Proctor denies any wrongdoing and stays on obligation through the ongoing investigation.

The protection attorneys had been questioning Bukhenik a few video of Learn’s SUV contained in the Canton Police Division, particularly addressing the mirroring impact inside the footage, which was not talked about throughout direct questioning.

Schedule

Decide Beverly Cannone has adjusted the trial schedule to expedite proceedings. Witness testimony commenced on April 29, following jury choice that started on April 16. The prosecution is looking witnesses from its record, whereas Learn’s protection attorneys haven’t but known as witnesses.

This week, full days of testimony are deliberate for Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, with a break day scheduled for Tuesday. Lunch breaks for jurors have been shortened to half-hour, and testimony will proceed till 4:30 p.m. on full days.

Writer

This text was written by Matt Schooley, a digital producer at CBS Boston with over a decade of expertise within the WBZ information workforce.