Karen Read murder trial: Dashcam emerges from night of police
officer boyfriend's death
Dashcam video shown in court during day three of Karen Read's murder trial was the
public's first glimpse of the night Boston police officer John O'Keefe was killed, but the
footage was obscured by heavy snowfall and police flashlights against the pitch-black night
sky.
The video is about three minutes long and was initially played in a quiet courtroom, with no
comment or questions from the prosecution or defense.
Then the lawyers sparred during first responders' testimony, where they gave conflicting
accounts of what they heard. They described a "frantic" and "distraught" woman yelling, but
what she actually said isn't clear.
One first responder testified that she had yelled, "I hit him, I hit him, oh my God I hit him."
Another testified, "He's dead. He's f---ing dead." A third said a woman had yelled, "Is he
alive?"
KAREN READ MURDER TRIAL FILLED WITH EXPLOSIVE ACCUSATIONS AS DAY 2
KICKS OFF: ‘BOMBSHELL AFTER BOMBSHELL’
In Karen Read's murder trial, jurors saw bodycam footage from the night Boston police
officer John O'Keefe died. (AP/Canton Police Department)
The blurry dashcam clearly showed a commotion in front of the police vehicle, and first
responders moving a gurney with O'Keefe's body to an ambulance.
But first responders had difficulty even distinguishing themselves in the footage from Jan.
29, 2022, outside of Boston police officer Brian Albert's home in Canton, Massachusetts, a
Boston suburb.
That's when O'Keefe was found dead in four to six inches of snow in a T-shirt and missing a
shoe.
PROSECUTORS FACE CHALLENGE WITH ‘UNDETERMINED’ CAUSE OF DEATH,
EXPERT SAYS, AND WHAT HE'S LOOKING FOR
Read was charged with O'Keefe's murder. Prosecutors alleged she backed over her
boyfriend, O'Keefe, with her Lexus SUV during an alcohol-fueled fight.
Read pleaded not guilty to all charges, and her defense team claimed she was framed in an
elaborate cover-up to protect the Albert family, an influential family with ties to law
enforcement, first responders and prosecutors in the area.
On the top dashcam video, Boston police officer John O'Keefe is on a gurney, as first
responders rush him to an ambulance. (Canton Police Department)
WATCH FULL DASHCAM VIDEO SHOWN IN COURT
Two Canton first responders, Fire Lt. Anthony Flematti and firefighter Kaite McLaughlin,
testified that they had heard Read incriminate herself by repeatedly saying, "I hit him."
During cross-examination, Flematti seemingly walked back his original comments.
Read's high-powered attorney, Alan Jackson, asked him if he heard that phrase "in any
context either to the police or to the grand jury before today?"
Karen Read sits in court during jury selection Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Dedham,
Massachusetts. Read, 44, is accused of running into her Boston police officer boyfriend with
her SUV in the middle of a nor'easter and leaving him for dead after a night of heavy
drinking. (David McGlynn/New York Post via AP, Pool)
KAREN READ MASSACHUSETTS TRIAL: 3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT WOMAN
CHARGED WITH OFFICER BOYFRIEND'S MURDER
"I don’t recall," Flematti responded.
Canton Fire Lt. Francis Walsh said he had heard a distraught woman yelling, "He's dead.
He's f---ing dead."
Read's lawyer specifically asked Walsh whether it was "easy for you to discern that her
words were, 'He's dead. He's f---ing dead'?" Walsh responded, "Correct."
Karen Read arrives at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts on Tuesday, April
16, 2024. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger)
Officer John O’Keefe poses for his official headshot. (Boston Police Department)
He also testified that he heard a woman yell, "Is he alive?"
"I think they were all over the map, weren’t they?" one of Read's lawyers, David Yanetti,
said about the testimonies heard Thursday. "Everybody had a different version of what was
said, and I think much of it was unreliable."
After the trial's fiery opening statements, which included several stunning accusations from
the defense, jurors heard testimony from the first responders, as well as O'Keefe's family.
On Friday, jurors visited the crime scene, as testimony continued.
Karen Read speaks with lawyers in court during jury selection at Norfolk County Superior
Court, Thursday, April 18, 2024. (David McGlynn/New York Post via AP, Pool)
Karen Read departs Norfolk Superior Court following a day of jury selection, Wednesday,
April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Massachusetts jurors will decide whether the Boston cop, who was 46 years old when he
died in January 2022, was killed by Read, as her defense alleges a cover-up scheme to
protect an influential local family.
The trial is predicted to last six to eight weeks.
Chris Eberhart is a crime and US news reporter for Fox News Digital. Email tips to
[email protected] or on Twitter @ChrisEberhart48.
02
The Best EDC Flashlights of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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I’ll admit, I wasn’t always a flashlight guy. For years, I heard people talk about this light or
that light for everyday carry. I didn’t understand the point. Unless you had a job that
required you to work in the dark, why bother carrying a flashlight everywhere?
Then a buddy of mine convinced me to give it a try. I was shocked at how many times I
reached for that light in my pocket. In just that first week, I used it for everything from
spotting the dog’s toy after she rolled it under the couch to lighting up dark hallways during
work as a private investigator.
I’ve carried an EDC flashlight ever since. Today, they are second only to knives in terms of
the number of models and brands that I’ve owned. All three of my sons have been gifted
pocket flashlights, and my wife has a couple as well. After years of using, testing, and gifting
a number of different lights, I’ve become fond of a few particular models.
That’s what this list is—a full guide to the best EDC flashlights you can buy for a number of
different tasks and purposes.
The Best EDC Flashlights
Specs
Length: 5.46 inches
Weight: 3.3 ounces
Max output: 300 lumens, with a temporary burst of 1,000 lumens
Pros
The shape makes it easy to grip
Rugged anodized aluminum construction, so it’s built to last
Each Wedge is serialized for positive identification
Cons
Only two illumination levels: 300 lumens or 1,000 lumens
The Wedge is unique among its peers due to its flat, rather than round, shape. This low
profile means it slides in and out of your pocket easily—minimizing bulkiness. Rotate the
power switch and it will throw a 300-lumen beam, but push the switch forward a bit more,
and you’ll hit THRO (Temporarily Heightened Regulated Output) mode with 1,000 lumens
lighting your way.
The pocket clip is reversible to make it easy to adjust between right- and left-handed carry.
You can also remove it entirely for a more streamlined look. The Wedge is waterproof and
is rechargeable via USB-C. If you were to turn it on and leave it be, the battery will last
about three hours.
Specs
Length: 4.3 inches
Weight: 2.5 ounces
Max output: 200 lumens
Pros
Several light modes so you aren’t locked into one choice
Knurled surface provides a positive grip in challenging conditions
Tail cap switch can be pressed just halfway for a quick flash
Cons
Only 180 lumens at the highest setting
I’ve owned this light for several years, and it has never let me down. It has a tail switch for
on/off, but the illumination settings are toggled by a side switch. The entire operation is very
intuitive and easy to use, even if you’re rushed or under stress. It has four levels of
illumination, ranging from 180 lumens on high to 0.055 lumens on firefly. It also has a strobe
mode for emergency signaling or perhaps disorienting an aggressor.
At just a bit over four inches long, it fits in the pocket nicely without feeling like a boat
anchor. The clip can be used to keep it in place, or you can easily just snap it off entirely.
Pro tip: That clip will also keep the light from rolling off a work surface, should you need to
set it down.
Specs
Length: 5.28 inches
Weight: 2.95 ounces
Max output: 1,700 lumens
Pros
Comes with a handy belt pouch
The crenelated head can be used as an impact weapon for self-defense
Lightweight (just under three ounces)
Cons
At over five inches long, it is a bit large for EDC
If you need something that can take a beating as well as turn night into day, look no further.
The PD35 from Fenix puts out a whopping 1,700 lumens on high, with a range of about 390
yards. It is built with high-strength aluminum and HAII anodized finish for toughness and
reliability. It is also rated for impact resistance up to one meter.
A tail switch turns the light on/off, and a metal side switch controls the settings. There are
five lighting levels available. Turbo mode gets you 1,700 lumens, and you can dial it all the
way back to Eco mode with just 5 lumens. A bidirectional clip gives you options for where
you can secure the light as you move.
Specs
Length: 6.1 inches
Weight: 8.25 ounces
Max output: 2,000 lumens
Pros
The 2,000-lumen setting is extremely bright for an EDC flashlight
The construction is dust-tight and water-resistant
It has a holster, so you can wear it on your belt instead of keeping it in your pocket
Cons
Weighs just over 8 ounces, making it a fairly heavy EDC option
This rechargeable light is one of the brightest on our list, with 2,000 lumens on the high
setting. It runs on an SL-B50 battery pack, which is included. What’s nice is that you can
recharge it inside or outside the light, as there is a sliding cover for a USB-C port a bit
behind the head of the light. It also features Streamlight’s TEN-TAP programming, so you
can customize the settings and really make the flashlight work for you. It comes with a nylon
holster, a 22-inch power cord, and a removable pocket clip.
Specs
Length: 3.3 inches
Weight: 1.2 ounces
Max output: 750 lumens
Pros
Tail switch magnet makes it easy to use hands-free
Comes with spare O-rings, should you lose one
Charges magnetically with the correct battery
Cons
The available lumens vary quite a bit with different types of batteries
One of the neatest things about this light is the magnetic tail. This makes it easy to position
the light when you need both hands free for working under the hood of the truck. That same
magnet also provides magnetic charging, if you’re using the proper type of battery. There is
also an attachment point for a thin lanyard, should you wish to add one.
The M150 can use four different kinds of batteries—alkaline AA, Ni-MH AA, 1.5V Lithium, or
3.7V Li-ion 14500. This gives you plenty of power options. It has five light levels, but those
levels change based on which type of battery is used. With the 14500 Li-ion, you’ll have 750
lumens at your fingertips. But if you’re using a Ni-MH AA, then you’ll only have 240 lumens
at the highest setting.
Specs
Length: 3.87 inches
Weight: 1.2 ounces
Max output: 250 lumens
Pros
Has an unbreakable, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lens
A combination pocket/hat clip keeps the light in place
Weighs less than two ounces with the battery
Cons
Wall adapter for charging is sold separately
There are a lot of cheap flashlights on the market, but this one punches well above its price
point. The MicroStream is particularly well-suited for EDC, given its slim profile and compact
design. It will easily fit in the palm of your hand with plenty of room to spare. It has two
settings, with 250 lumens on high and 50 lumens on low. The tail switch controls everything.
Hit it once to turn it on and double-bump it to cycle between settings.
The white C4 LED is clean and bright on either power setting. It is rechargeable via a mini-
USB port found by sliding a sleeve at the lens end of the light. While charging is easy
enough to do, the average user will go a week or two, probably more, between charges.
Specs
Length: 5.5 inches
Weight: 3.13 ounces
Max output: 1,000 lumens
Pros
Boot up power indicator lets you know right away where you stand
Has five lighting modes, plus a strobe
The light’s range is nearly three football fields long
Cons
Some users don’t care for dual-switch operation
This is the improved version of the original UC35, and they’ve increased the lumens to
1,000 and the throw to almost 300 yards. While that’s a lot of light, just as nifty is the
Moonlight mode that puts out just a single lumen. That’s perfect for checking a map at night
without blinding you. The UC35 is ruggedly built from aircraft aluminum and is designed for
real world use and abuse. This is a dual-switch light, with a power on/off at the tail and a
side switch to change settings. It charges via a micro-USB port on the side of the frame.
Specs
Length: 2.95 inches
Weight: 2.0 ounces
Max output: 90 lumens
Pros
Quick-release keychain means you can carry it everywhere you go
The brass exterior is exceptionally handsome
High CRI bulb allows natural colors to shine through
Cons
Only 90 lumens on the highest setting
This is the only true keychain flashlight on our list. It is designed with a quick-release
feature, so it can easily pop off a keychain for use, and then clipped back on. Power is
turned on and off by simply twisting the light. It has three modes: 90 lumens, 15 lumens,
and 1 lumen. The modes are changed by quickly turning the light off and back on.
This is the first production light in the EDC light industry to come with a High CRI LED bulb.
This means the colors seen using the light are very natural, rather than clouded by the light
source. An excellent feature for those who work on vehicles in particular.
Specs
Length: 3.4 inches
Weight: 1.6 ounces
Max output: 700 lumens
Pros
Special lock-out mode to prevent accidental activation
One-touch access to high and moonlight settings
Weighs less than an ounce (without battery)
Cons
Might be too small for those who have larger hands
With an overall length shorter than four inches, this light will disappear into your pocket until
you need it. When you deploy it, you’ll have access to an incredible 700 lumens. If you don’t
need a light quite that bright, you can scale it back to 90 lumens, or go even further down to
about five lumens on the lowest setting. There are even two strobe patterns, one of which is
an automatic SOS.
It has pineapple-style knurling, which is comfortable while also providing great traction.
There’s no pocket clip provided, but there is a nice lanyard. Given its overall size, this is an
excellent EDC flashlight for those who work in an office or who otherwise don’t want to be
weighed down with pocket jewelry.
How We Tested EDC Flashlights
Over the last decade, I’ve tested out numerous EDC flashlights. Some were great, and
others ended up in the junk drawer. The most common failings of poor lights are a weak
battery and poor lumen output. Naturally, those two categories ended up being the most
important factors in my testing. I chose lights that have long battery lifespans, strong
lumens, and a compact design. I also took into account the durability of each light, user-
friendliness, and any included accessories to make my picks.
The author’s everyday carry setup. (Photo/Travis Smola) Jim Cobb
How did I test them? I’ve been carrying some of these lights for almost ten years. I know
they work because I carry them, use them, and gift them to family and friends. They are
trusted lights that can help around the house, at work, or out in the field.
How to Choose an EDC Flashlight
There’s a wide range of flashlights on the market that come in all shapes and sizes. But
when we’re talking about an EDC flashlight, there are some specific qualities we want.
The first consideration is size. By definition, an EDC flashlight is one that you’ll carry
virtually every day. As such, it needs to be small enough to carry comfortably. And unless
you don’t spend your day wearing a tactical belt loaded with pouches and loops, you’ll be
carrying the light in your pocket.
Ergonomics is another factor. If the flashlight is awkward to use, you’ll find yourself leaving it
at home, which defeats the purpose of buying it. Some people prefer a tail switch, where the
on/off is located at the end of the light. Others like a side switch. Find what is most
comfortable to hold and stick with it.
Flashlights today have their illumination power measured in lumens. Without getting too
deep into the weeds and breaking out complex formulas, just think of lumens as a
measurement of the total amount of light you’re able to see emitted from the flashlight. The
higher the lumens rating, the brighter the flashlight. Remember that a high-lumen light might
be overpowering in some instances, so having the ability to dial it down a notch or two is
ideal.
Adding a large rubber O-ring to the clip makes it even easier to snag the light from your
pocket. Jim Cobb
A rechargeable light is often preferred over something that has replaceable batteries. You
can always toss a spare battery pack in your EDC bag to charge the light if it runs low. Just
remember to include the proper charging cord.
FAQs Q: What are the best lumens for an EDC flashlight?
There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to lumens for an EDC flashlight. You need to
consider where and how you plan to use the light. Anything rated up to about 250 lumens
will be fine for most general chores. A range from 250-1,000 lumens will be good for
nighttime use, such as checking the backyard to see what’s making that weird noise. Once
you hit the 2,000-lumen mark, you’re getting into law enforcement and military needs.
Q: What is the difference between a tactical and EDC flashlight?
Tactical flashlights are built for heavy-duty use and often include features like high-output
light that can be used defensively as well as a strike bezel that can be injurious to an
attacker. They also often have fairly simple controls for high-stress situations. An EDC
flashlight can certainly have those features as well, but will usually have several output
levels and other bells and whistles.
Q: What should every EDC flashlight have?
Every EDC flashlight should have multiple illumination settings that are easily toggled. This
gives you options, as the high setting might be far too bright for a given task. I like to see a
well-built clip that allows me to attach the light to the brim of my hat or clip it to my pocket
for security while moving around. Some degree of water resistance is also desirable, as you
never know when you might get soaked by a sudden storm or stumble and end up in the
drink.
When it comes to EDC gear, which includes everything from knives and multi-tools to pens
and watches, you have to carefully weigh your options. This category of equipment has
absolutely exploded in the last few years, and there are more options on the market today
than ever before. All of the recommendations above are sure to excel in the real world every
single day—just like any EDC tool should.
Why Trust Us
For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and
authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the
outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to
keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s
a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to
expect before you decide to make a purchase.
