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