State police crime lab analyst to take the stand in Read retrial

DEDHAM, Mass. (WLNE) — Thursday is day 16 of the Karen Read murder retrial.

A crime lab analyst with Massachusetts State Police will return to the witness stand after testifying on Wednesday.

Maureen Hartnett will continue testimony on her examination of evidence, including read’s SUV and O’Keefe’s clothing.

O’Keefe’s teenage niece also testified Wednesday about his and Read’s relationship, and she said they fought frequently.

O’Keefe’s niece said the morning after O’Keefe didn’t come home, Read was frantic and said “Could I have done something, maybe I hit him.”

Her testimony was not recorded by TV cameras because of her age.

O’Keefe had custody of his niece and nephew after their parents died.

O’Keefe’s nephew did not testify.