Commonwealth v. Read — Trial Archive
Person Frank Walsh Trial 1Canton Fire Lt. Frank Walsh was the first paramedic to reach John O’Keefe on the morning of January 29, 2022, and documented the injuries and scene conditions at 34 Fairview Road. ← All People
🗣️ Witness

Frank Walsh

Trial 1
98 lines 2 proceedings
Courtroom still of Frank Walsh.

About

Frank Walsh, a lieutenant and paramedic with the Canton Fire Department, responded to the call of an unresponsive male at 34 Fairview Road during his overnight shift on January 28-29, 2022. He was among the first emergency personnel on scene and performed advanced life support on O'Keefe, observing and documenting his injuries before transporting him. Walsh testified in Trial 1 about the physical state of O'Keefe, the weather conditions, and the emotional behavior of a woman present at the scene.

Key Points

  • Walsh described observing a hematoma on O'Keefe's right eye, blood from his nose, and scratches and lacerations on his right arm after removing O'Keefe's clothing with trauma shears in the ambulance — providing the jury with the first medical witness account of O'Keefe's injuries.
  • Walsh noted that O'Keefe was missing his right shoe when found, a detail that recurred throughout the case as both sides addressed how and where O'Keefe had been injured.
  • Walsh testified that he told Sergeant Goode there were signs of trauma on the patient.
  • On cross, Walsh agreed that one woman appeared more upset than others and recalled hearing her ask whether O'Keefe was alive.
  • Walsh placed O'Keefe's body approximately ten feet from the road in heavy snow and high winds, establishing the severe weather conditions present during the response and any potential scene examination.

Trial Record (2)

Trial 1 First Criminal Trial Apr 29, 2024 – Jul 1, 2024 2 proceedings

Day 3

Direct Frank Walsh Adam Lally 4 highlights 88 lines spoken
Summary

Francis Walsh described the snowy response to 34 Fairview Road, his observations of John O'Keefe, and emergency treatment in the ambulance.

Highlights (4)
Quote

“It was really, really poor driving conditions and visibility. I can't recall ever driving to a call of that nature and that severity that slowly. The visibility was so poor that we were just driving extremely slow.”

Walsh described the weather and visibility conditions during the emergency response.

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Quote

“I mean, I observed one of them like screaming and crying. They were both just frantically like moving around a lot.”

Walsh described the demeanor of two civilians near the scene.

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Locations Touched By This Testimony

34 Fairview Road 1 proc Canton Police Department 1 proc