Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/bmNghhaIVik

Day 20 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on May 21, 2025. Involving court delays, individual jurors questioned at sidebar, and a shift in witness order. Judge Cannone addressed the jury when they came back from the inquiry and asked them if they refrained from doing research or independent investigations. She noted that she had already asked them about discussing the case with anyone or seeing, hearing or reading information about the case. Their seats were rearranged and the court day moved forward.

Dr. Aizik Wolf, a neuro brain surgeon, testified about the injuries to John O'Keefe's head, stating they were consistent with a fall backward. The doctor also clarified that other facial lacerations would not have been caused by this type of fall.

Scientific evidence from Christina Hanley, a Trace Analyst, a state crime lab, analyzed the glass and plastic fragments. She linked clear and red plastic pieces from John O'Keefe's clothing to the tail light housing. Defense Attorney, Alan Jackson, presented a demonstrative exhibit showing which evidence items matched and which didn't. The ones that didn't match were collected by Trooper Michael Proctor.

RESOURCES

Retrial Day 17 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_Lo2vXvHyM

What You Need to Know About the Retrial - https://youtu.be/89Jpa8vz1RQ

Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo

Karen Read Trial - 2024 - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKUeCUzApgsEuQRXu5IXeTS

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/IJgD247smlQ

Day 19 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on May 20, 2025. Defense Attorney, Robert Alessi, continued cross examining Shanon Burgess. Questions arose regarding the accuracy of dates and timeline in the expert's analysis, with errors of 24 hours. Burgess kept saying that the event happened the night of January 29-30th when in reality is it was January 28-29th.

Shanon's analysis of call logs, text streams, and vehicle data was scrutinized. There were concerns about the use of approximate times and potential confirmation bias. The expert did not have the raw data for the techstream information, he instead got it from Welcher's report.

During redirect examination, Special Prosecutor, Hank Brennan, attempted to clarify Burgess' credentials and data interpretation. Pointing out that he didn't need that degree to perform his job and that work life balance made it a challenge to complete his degree.

On Re-Cross Examination, Alessi pointed out that in a federal court filing in Texas, Burgess' resume stated he was anticipating a BGS - Bachelor of General Science in 2024. There is no Bachelor of General Science degree in Alabama and he has been pursuing this degree since 2008.

The use of the Commonwealths presenting video and audio clips, especially the voicemail, appears to be related to establishing a timeline of Karen Read's movements and actions around the time of John O'Keefe's death. The defense may use it to show her actions were consistent, while the prosecution may use it to point out inconsistencies. The 12:25/12:30 timeframe she gives for John's passing may be challenged given her audio from the voicemail at 12:41AM.

Later in the day, Christina Hanley, a trace analyst expert witness from the lab testified about a mechanical match on glass. The court adjourned early after sidebar discussions. We'll get back to her on Day 20.

RESOURCES

Retrial Day 10 - Voicemails - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2vEF0vxG2w

What You Need to Know About the Retrial - https://youtu.be/89Jpa8vz1RQ

Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo

Karen Read Trial - 2024 - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKUeCUzApgsEuQRXu5IXeTS

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/Hi_HNpRVySA

Day 18 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on May 19, 2025. Shanon Burgess, a Digital Forensic Examiner from Aperture, is witness number 35. His testimony revolves around correlating the timing of events from Karen Read's Lexus vehicle data and John O'Keefe's phone location data.

Burgess provided detailed explanations of Lexus infotainment system data (Lexus clock and techstream data), key cycles, triggering events (like a three-point turn), and how this data was correlated with the data from John O'Keefe's iPhone. Time variances between the Lexus clock and the iPhone clock and the significance of these variances in relation to when O'Keefe's phone was locked.

Defense Attorney, Robert Alessi, strongly challenged Burgess's credibility during cross examination by highlighting discrepancies and potential misrepresentations in his CV (resume), Aperture website information, and LinkedIn profile concerning his educational background and degrees.

Questions were also raised about a report Burgess submitted on May 8th, at the request of the prosecution. Burgess stated he did it on his own initiative due to the report from the Defense's expert. It was thought that he did it at the request of the prosecutor but attributed the "per your request" statement to a copy-paste error.

Alessi further challenged Burgess's understanding of data storage (megabits vs. megabytes) and the completeness of data extractions from the vehicle's chips. This could significantly impact the jury's perception of Shanon's testimony and the prosecution's case. The errors and inconsistencies in his statements, reports, and qualifications raise serious questions about the reliability of his expert opinions. There's more cross examination to come on Day 19.

RESOURCES

What You Need to Know About the Retrial - https://youtu.be/89Jpa8vz1RQ

Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo

Karen Read Trial - 2024 - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKUeCUzApgsEuQRXu5IXeTS

Get 15% off OneSkin with the code LAWNERD at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad

In today’s episode of The Emily Show, I’m breaking down everything from the Diddy case updates to the explosive developments surrounding "Courthouse Becky" in the Murdaugh trial, and the judge who is not having it with leaks in the Brian Kohberger case!

Judge Hippler is MAD! I discuss the closed court sessions, the "Dateline" episode leaked, and the intense measures being taken to find the source. Plus, the potential for a special prosecutor and what this means for the trial.

Cassie Ventura previously reached a settlement with Diddy, which the defense alludes to as a potential motive for her testimony. It is also revealed that Cassie is undergoing litigation with the Intercontinental Hotel. The defense argues that it's a domestic violence case, not sex trafficking or RICO.

The shocking criminal charges against the former Clerk of Court, Becky Hill, from the Murdaugh trial. I examine the warrants and the allegations of obstruction of justice and misconduct. Plus, how she perjured herself!

The Menendez brothers were resentenced to 50 years to life, instead of life without the possibility of parole. This resentencing is separate from their ongoing clemency proceedings, so they still have two legal avenues moving forward. Now that there is a change for parole, the decision ultimately rests with the parole board, and their release is not immediate or certain.

RESOURCES

Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo

Menendez Brothers Resentencing? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DDaLjZrjhI

Diddy Settled with Cassie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki-SsG09pKg

Feds Mad at Jay Z Civil Suit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqFz_L7lyE4

The Alex Murdaugh Cases Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gJUHo2XsVhGNBhaMdx9B_cq

Becky Hill’s Ethics Violations - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I15TNtPfC3w

New Murdaugh Trial Evidentiary Hearing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnUX0njyq4I

Becky Hills Emails - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6riKBCov1U

New Kohberger Venue Hearing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go-2Cidrzmk

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/P_Lo2vXvHyM

Day 17 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on May 16, 2025. The court addressed juror conduct issues, with a jurors making facial expressions and muttering. A stipulation was read regarding State Police troopers present at the autopsy, specifically noting Troopers Keefe and Watson were present, not Former Trooper Michael Proctor.

Andre Porto, the Forensic Scientist, testimony revolved around DNA evidence found on a piece of glass and the tail light, with John O'Keefe's DNA and DNA from two unknown individuals being present. The defense strategy focused on questioning the thoroughness of the investigation and emphasizing that unknown DNA samples were not tested against other individuals of interest like Brian Higgins.

Legal arguments arose regarding the chain of custody of evidence and delays in its submission. The judge ruled on objections and addressed issues related to rebuttal witnesses and ARCA expert testimony. There were discussions about new information and reports from experts causing potential time shifts and debates over whether this information was truly new or if it was previously disclosed.

The day ended with testimony from Ash Vallier, a Forensic Scientist who pieced together the tail light, with discussions about which pieces fit and which did not. Some items from evidence bags were not fitting together mechanically and other items from different bags were fitting together. Defense Attorney, David Yannetti, crossed Vallier, highlighting potential issues with the chain of custody and who had access to evidence, particularly with Trooper Proctor. Trooper Michael Proctor was identified as submitting clothing evidence to the lab six weeks after the incident and the person who brought in the all of the pieces in the dash 7 series that fit together.

Judge Cannone addressed concerns about new expert reports from Aperture, ruling that they were not grounds for undue surprise or prejudice but were ample ground for cross-examination by the defense. The Judge also addressed the ARCCA expert issue, allowing limited rebuttal testimony of Aperture only as to the new opinions by ARCCA from their May 7th report. The Judge stated the defense could recall witnesses under certain circumstances and addressed the long weekend break, stating it would give the defense the time they had requested.

RESOURCES

Calling a Witness Back? https://youtu.be/Wzt0SgXLa7k&t=564s

Former Trooper Proctor Did Not Attend The Autopsy - https://youtu.be/etzXdZ2T3D4&t=128s

What You Need to Know About the Retrial - https://youtu.be/89Jpa8vz1RQ

Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo

Karen Read Trial - 2024 - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKUeCUzApgsEuQRXu5IXeTS

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/hC-r7dHxioA

Day 16 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on May 15, 2025.

At the end of Re-Cross Examination, Maureen Harnett, the forensic analyst, wanted to "correct something for the record" from their previous testimony. This implies there might have been an error or omission in their earlier statements that they feel needs to be addressed. However, the court and Special Prosecutor, Hank Brennan, did not seem inclined to allow the correction at that moment. Judge Cannone let them know all of the questions that needed to be asked of them was complete and they were free to go.

Next, Dr. Irini Scordi-Bello, Coroner & Medical Examiner, took the stand! A significant portion of the testimony revolves around the coroner's finding that the manner of John O'Keefe's death was "undetermined." This term is defined as when the information pointing to one manner of death is not more compelling than other reasonable possibilities, or when the death investigation lacks sufficient information to opine on a manner of death at the time the death certificate is signed.

The coroner stated she examined John O'Keefe's lower extremities as part of the protocol in cases of suspected impact with a motor vehicle. She did not find any evidence of an impact site. The Prosecution asked the coroner repeatedly if she was aware of various pieces of information, including statements that Karen Read allegedly made, such as "I hit him," that she didn't know how she cracked her tail light, and that people had been drinking. The coroner confirms that she was aware of most of this information before making her determination. Despite knowing all this information, Dr. Scordi-Bello still concluded that the manner of death was undetermined.

The coroner recalls two individuals being present at the autopsy. Initially, she doesn't remember their names, but after looking at a log, she identifies them as Mr. Keefe and Mr. Connor. There's confusion, because Trooper Connor Keefe's testimony is that he attended the autopsy alone but the person next to him looks a lot like Former Trooper Michael Proctor.

After the Jury was dismissed, disputes over expert witnesses involve issues of late discovery, changing reports, timing discrepancies, and procedural fairness. Defense attorney, Robert Alessi, is concerned that the Commonwealth is trying to adjust Aperture, their expert's testimony, to align with other witness, Ian Whiffin. This new report shifts the estimated time of impact from between 12:31:38am-12:31:43am to 12:32:16am. The Commonwealth, in turn, argues that they need more time to review the defense's voluminous reports from ARCCA and to ensure their expert can provide a complete and accurate analysis. These conflicts are creating significant tension and procedural challenges in the trial. Judge Cannone has taken under advisement and will make a determination soon.

RESOURCES

Former Trooper Proctor Did Not Attend The Autopsy - https://youtu.be/etzXdZ2T3D4&t=128s

What You Need to Know About the Retrial - https://youtu.be/89Jpa8vz1RQ

Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo

Karen Read Trial - 2024 -

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/onTVtSxM5Qw

Day 15 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on May 14, 2025, after an unexpected court cancellation the day before due to Karen Read reportedly feeling unwell. The day began with the prosecution presenting two clips of Karen Read that were difficult to hear. Testimony was then given by John O'Keefe's niece (not broadcast), followed by several scientific witnesses from the Massachusetts State Police and Needham PD.

Key testimony focused on evidence collection and documentation related to Karen Read's SUV. Trooper Zachary Clark presented photos of the SUV, while Trooper Evan Brent provided photos of John O'Keefe's Chevy Traverse. Sergeant Brian Gallerani testified about collecting swabs for DNA testing from Proctor and Bukhenik. Marine Hartnett from the state police crime lab discussed the processing of Karen Read's SUV, including documenting glass pieces, scratches, dents, and a hair found on the vehicle.

An unexpected moment occurred when Hartnett opened an evidence bag in court and found items she did not expect, leading to a sidebar, recess, and lunch break. This raised concerns about evidence handling and the accuracy of what was in the bag.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Robert Alessi questioned Hartnett about the number of stickers used to mark glass on the bumper, suggesting there might only be one sticker and a reflection, thus potentially doubling the amount of perceived glass. Alessi also focused on a hair found on the SUV, questioning if it had moved or changed position between photos due to different angles or other factors.

The court also viewed previously unseen video footage from the Sallyport showing snow melting and falling off Karen Read's SUV. Alessi highlighted this footage, suggesting the snow hit the car bumper and glass should have fallen off.

The day concluded with continued questions regarding the hair on the vehicle and its potential movement or presence despite the melting snow. The scientific foundation is being laid for the reconstructionist from both sides. The possibility of ending with the Commonwealth's accident reconstructionist is discussed.

RESOURCES

What You Need to Know About the Retrial - https://youtu.be/89Jpa8vz1RQ

Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo

Karen Read Trial - 2024 - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKUeCUzApgsEuQRXu5IXeTS

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/Yr5TBpqiqaQ

Day 14 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on May 12, 2025. Sgt. Yuri Bukhenik Testimony concluded today. Topics discussed included accessing Michael Proctor accessing the Ring app on John O'Keefe's cell phone instead of an image of his phone, context of the derogatory text messages by Michael Proctor and Bukhenik's glowing performance review of Michael Proctor despite acknowledging those vile messages.

The defense questioned Sergeant Buchanan about Brian Higgins' movements and activities in the early morning hours, based on video footage. They also inquired about the investigation's handling of Higgins' text messages and potential motives.

The defense highlighted areas they believed the investigation did not adequately explore, such as Higgins' potential jealousy and his whereabouts at the time of the incident. Discussion also revolved around text messages between Higgins and the Read, and whether the police properly verified those messages.

The court has not yet made a decision on motions filed by the Commonwealth, including motions to preclude hearsay and introduce evidence about the relationship between the defendant and the victim. If granted, the witnesses at the Aruba trip could be called in to testify.

RESOURCES

What You Need to Know About the Retrial - https://youtu.be/89Jpa8vz1RQ

Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo

Karen Read Trial - 2024 - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKUeCUzApgsEuQRXu5IXeTS