Boston Police Officer Kelly Dever, whose disputed testimony played a pivotal role in the retrial of Karen Read earlier this year, has officially left the department.
According to the Boston Herald, Dever's resignation comes after she admitted to providing inaccurate testimony in a high-profile murder retrial, raising concerns about law enforcement credibility and prompting scrutiny from local officials.
Dever's departure from the Boston Police Department became effective September 1, 2025, according to a personnel order issued by the department. The notice formally acknowledged the resignation of “Police Officer Kelly Dever, ID# 173471," who had most recently been assigned to the BAT/Leave of Absence Section. However, no details were provided regarding the reasons for her departure from the force.
Last year, Dever earned over $143,000 in salary, according to municipal payroll data. Despite not having taken part in the initial Karen Read trial, she became a pivotal figure during the retrial held in the spring of 2025. Her testimony elevated her role in the proceedings and introduced controversy that extended beyond the courtroom.
During testimony in the retrial, Dever initially backed a central claim made by Karen Read’s defense—that law enforcement may have tampered with key evidence. Specifically, she told federal investigators she saw Brian Higgins and then-Canton Police Chief Kenneth Berkowitz enter a Canton Police Department garage, spending an unusually lengthy amount of time with Read’s SUV.
Admission of False Memory Shifts Courtroom Narrative
The testimony was significant because Read's team claimed that evidence—including a broken taillight later found at the crime scene—could have been planted. The location in question was outside a house on Fairview Road, where Boston police officer John O’Keefe was found dead on January 29, 2022. Read was accused of hitting O’Keefe with her SUV and leaving him to die in the snow. But Dever ultimately reversed her statement under cross-examination after being shown a detailed timeline. She acknowledged that her recollection had been inaccurate, calling it a “false memory.” The retraction weakened the defense’s claims and damaged Dever’s standing as a credible witness.
Defense attorney Alan Jackson responded by formally requesting that the department place Dever on the Brady list, which catalogs officers with reliability concerns. Jackson argued that any legal cases involving her testimony—past or future—should be reconsidered. In a letter submitted over the summer, he stated that her reports and courtroom statements could no longer be treated as trustworthy.
Defense Raises Questions About Officer's Future Role
“In either case,” Jackson wrote, “her credibility and reliability as a law enforcement officer are irreparably compromised.” He added that if Dever knowingly gave false testimony, it would constitute perjury. Alternatively, if her memory issues were genuine, she would be unqualified to serve in law enforcement. Karen Read's retrial concluded with the jury finding her not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter while intoxicated. She was convicted only of operating under the influence. The dropped charges and scrutiny over law enforcement conduct reignited public interest in the integrity of the investigative process.
In addition to the courtroom fallout, Dever’s involvement drew unexpected attention to Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. Dever testified that Cox had invited her to his office and offered support ahead of her testimony. She said he encouraged her to be truthful, although he did not direct specific statements or a narrative to endorse.
Commissioner Cox Denies Involvement in Trial Witness Coaching
Cox has consistently maintained he had no role in shaping Dever’s statements. In remarks made in July 2025, he said he was unaware that Dever had any connection to the Karen Read case. “As a matter of fact, I didn’t even know this person was associated with the Karen Read case,” he stated. Elaborating on the department's policies, Cox added, “You know, I have an organization full of over 3,000 people, and we support all our folks.” He emphasized that his office regularly encourages officers but denied intervening in testimony preparation related to Read. “I have no idea what they’re talking about with Karen Read,” Cox claimed during the press conference.
Dever’s abrupt resignation may eliminate the possibility of internal disciplinary action. But the implications of her testimony and credibility continue to ripple through cases in which she played a role. Her departure leaves questions unresolved about what oversight, if any, was exercised regarding her involvement in the Read trial.
Broader Calls for Review and Accountability Grow
The defense's call to review any cases where Dever played a significant role as an officer or witness signals a larger problem for the department. It highlights the fragile balance between officer accountability and maintaining public trust in law enforcement proceedings. In high-stakes legal matters, a single officer’s believability can shift jury perception and impact sentencing.
More broadly, Dever's “false memory” statement sparked debate on the reliability of eyewitness accounts, especially from trained professionals. The incident underscores the legal consequences when such accounts are found to be inconsistent or provably incorrect. Whether due to mistake or intentional falsehood, lapses of this nature erode confidence in criminal justice institutions.
Meanwhile, stakeholders across Boston’s legal and law enforcement communities await further response from city officials regarding how Dever’s testimony and employment history will be handled going forward. With no official reasons released for her resignation, pressure may mount for transparency and a deeper internal review.
