DEDHAM, MASS. (WHDH) – To begin a new week in the Karen Read murder retrial, the defense got a small victory after Judge Beverly Cannone allowed them to submit derogatory texts that were sent by lead investigator and now fired Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor, without having to call Proctor as a witness.
The prosecution pressed back on the ruling, arguing that Proctor should be called to verify his own words and text messages.
Three witnesses were called by the defense on Monday. The first of which was a lifelong friend of Proctor, who also happened to be in the same group chat when the text messages were sent.
Dr. Marie Russell, a retired emergency room doctor, former cop, and former employee at a coroner’s office, also took the stand.
Dr. Russell said that after decades of treating dog bite victims, she concluded that is what caused the marks on John O’Keefe’s arm.
“They were inflicted as the result of a dog attack,” said Dr. Russell. “So there are multiple grouping of wounds right here, here’s one upper arm, above the elbow. Here’s another interesting grouping at the elbow.”
Dr. Russell will return to the witness stand on Tuesday.
This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.
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