Defense Demands a Mistrial! No Dog DNA!? The Taillight: Cracked or Damaged? | Case Brief

Jun 4, 2025

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/VaZWKV-xJkQ

Day 26 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on June 3, 2025. Dr. Marie Russell, the defense's dog bite expert, is on the stand for cross-examination. There's discussion about Karen Read's statements and whether they changed Dr. Russell's opinion. Dr. Russell states that Read's statements did not change her analysis, citing Read's stressful state and potential acute grief reaction.

The defense moves for a mistrial with prejudice due to the prosecution bringing up DNA in front of the jury, which is ultimately denied. Dr. Russell's redirect involves questions about why DNA results not showing dog DNA didn't change her opinion, and discussions of medical journal articles regarding dog bites.

Sgt. Nicholas Barros, a Dighton Police Officer, testifies about observing damage to the tail light of Karen Read's SUV. He describes a crack and a missing piece instead of the majority of it gone. Special Prosecutor, Hank Brennan, cross-examines Barros, focusing on inconsistencies in his testimony and report, his meeting with defense attorneys, and the condition of the tail light being potentially obscured by snow. There's a discussion about photos of the tail light and discrepancies in the damage shown, and how his memory of the damage might have been affected by seeing various videos and photos of the vehicle after the initial observation.

RESOURCES

First Trial Day 22 – https://youtube.com/live/_Z1DhJDQj5Y

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

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