Day 1 - April 22, 2025

The jurors were sworn, and the clerk read the indictments alleging second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene after causing injury or death. Judge Cannone then gave preliminary instructions on the presumption of innocence, the Commonwealth's burden of proof, the difference between evidence and attorney argument, juror note-taking, and the obligation to avoid outside publicity, social media, research, and contact with trial participants before directing the Commonwealth to begin opening statements.

Defense counsel questioned firefighter-paramedic Timothy Nuttall about meetings with the prosecution team before his testimony, including reviews of prior testimony and a video clip. Nuttall acknowledged that his prior account said he heard "I hit him" twice, while he now recalled hearing it three times, and agreed that his earlier description of John O'Keefe in a heavy, puffy winter coat was wrong. He also said emergency responders focus on patient care and that clothing can end up on surfaces with debris. The judge sustained an objection when defense counsel began referring to prior testimony about whether injuries were consistent with a physical altercation.

Defense counsel continued questioning firefighter-paramedic Tim Nuttall about other responders, post-incident discussions, and his account of an alleged statement by Karen Read during efforts to aid John O'Keefe. Nuttall said the injuries he observed could have resulted from a punch but also from other causes. When confronted with a report of his interview with Trooper Proctor, Nuttall said he did not remember several reported details, acknowledged that his memory of the conversation remained faulty, and maintained that he distinctly remembered hearing "I hit him" three times. The defense then played dash-camera video while examining Nuttall about the positions of responders and Read during CPR. Nuttall also agreed he was not diagnosing O'Keefe with hypothermia.

Brennan replayed a timestamped video as firefighter-paramedic Tim Nuttall identified his arrival, his approach to John O'Keefe, and the defendant moving toward the responders. Nuttall again said the defendant told him, "I hit him," three times. He distinguished his incomplete memory of an interview with Trooper Proctor from his memory of the morning, described his treatment focus as O'Keefe's airway and ventilation, and agreed that the injuries he observed were principally on O'Keefe's right side. The court sustained objections to some redirect questions.

Jackson challenged firefighter-paramedic Tim Nuttall's expanded recollection that he heard "I hit him" in the background, emphasizing Nuttall's treatment focus and the chaotic conditions at the scene. Using video footage, Jackson questioned whether the timing Nuttall described matched the CPR sequence shown on screen; Nuttall maintained that the displayed segment was not when the statement was made. Nuttall also acknowledged that John O'Keefe had a black left eye and ultimately agreed that it was an injury to the left side of his face.

Brennan asked firefighter-paramedic Tim Nuttall whether he had previously testified under oath that he heard the defendant saying "I hit him" in the background, separately from when she approached him. Nuttall confirmed that he had.

Jackson asked firefighter Nuttall whether he had made the same account shortly after the incident or before the grand jury. Nuttall said he did not recall, then agreed that his memory was better at trial than it had been then.