Location: Northw Superior Court, County of Norfolk
Court Proceedings
Initial Proceedings
Jury not present initially.
Sidebar discussions with judge regarding motions.
Varder Motion
Motion related to Commonwealth’s renewed motion for reciprocal discovery and exclusion of defense expert Dr. Marie Russell.
Alleged violation of Rule 14's reciprocal discovery by the defense.
Judge found a violation but allowed Dr. Russell to testify with limitations.
Dr. Russell's testimony limited to whether marks on Jon O’Keefe’s arm were due to an animal attack, not on police activity or inconsistency with other injuries.
Other Motions
Commonwealth argued lack of reciprocal discovery for biomechanical experts Dr. Wolf and Dr. Renchler.
Dr. Wolf allowed to testify on involvement; concerns with Dr. Renchler’s expertise in medical causation.
Witness Testimony: Trooper Gino
Examination of Phones
Conducted forensic extraction on Karen Reed’s and Jon O’Keefe’s phones.
Relayed call logs and messages extracted from phones.
Highlighted specific times and contents from call logs and voicemails left by Karen Reed.
Analysis
Over 50 calls made from Karen Reed to Jon O’Keefe from around 12:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
No evidence of answered calls indicating conversation.
Voicemails left by Karen Reed, timings and content presented.
GPS and Health Data
Analysis of GPS data from O’Keefe’s phone showing his location and movements.
Times and distances verified using GPS and health data indicating steps taken.
Legal Discussions and Motions
Google Search Motions
Commonwealth moved to introduce a Google search by the defendant for DUI attorneys at 1:27 p.m., arguing it rebuts defense and shows consciousness of guilt.
Defense argued it’s not probative and prejudicial.
Judge ruled probative value outweighed by prejudicial impact.
Examination of Trooper Gorino
Defense questioned Trooper Gorino’s qualifications and experience in forensic analysis.
Focused on inconsistencies in earlier reports regarding phone data and location data.
Discussed handling and securing of cell phone evidence post-seizure.
Medical Examination and Testimony
Dr. Renee Stonebridge
Neuropathologist conducted analysis on Jon O’Keefe’s brain.
Observed acute traumatic injuries and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Dr. Irini Scordebello
Performed autopsy on Jon O’Keefe.
Determined cause of death as blunt impact injuries to head and hypothermia.
Manner of death listed as undetermined due to lack of information to classify as accident or homicide.
Reviewed external and internal examination findings.
Conclusion
The session included examining evidence, ruling on motions, and presenting witness testimonies to establish the narrative and facts surrounding the case.