Connecting the Dots: Sgt. Bukhenik Says Karen Read’s Car Caused O’Keefe’s Injuries

Connecting the Dots: Sgt. Bukhenik Says Karen Read’s Car Caused O’Keefe’s Injuries In the second half of his direct examination, Sgt. Yuri Bukhenik doubled down on the prosecution’s theory: that Karen Read backed her Lexus SUV into Officer John O’Keefe during a drunken drop-off, causing the injuries that ultimately led to his death. Bukhenik meticulously detailed how forensic evidence aligned with that theory—including blood spatter patterns, taillight fragments, and O’Keefe’s positioning in the snow. Jurors heard how Bukhenik traced a red trail leading from the back of Read’s SUV to where O’Keefe’s body was found, suggesting he was dragged or stumbled before collapsing. He claimed the physical evidence contradicted the defense’s theory that O’Keefe was attacked inside the home at 34 Fairview. According to Bukhenik, everything—from the crushed snow to the angle of the broken glass—pointed to vehicular trauma. This testimony was critical in reinforcing the prosecution’s case, but it wasn’t without problems. While Bukhenik projected confidence and precision, some observers noted an undercurrent of discomfort—perhaps due to questions swirling around the Massachusetts State Police and the now-terminated lead investigator, Michael Proctor. Still, Bukhenik’s words gave the state something they desperately needed: an officer with credentials and authority willing to stand behind the theory that Karen Read killed John O’Keefe with her car. Whether jurors buy it is another matter entirely. Hashtags: #KarenReadTrial #YuriBukhenik #JohnOKeefeDeath #VehicularHomicide #CrimeSceneAnalysis #TrueCrime #ForensicEvidence #CourtroomTestimony #LegalStrategy #PoliceWitness Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872