Digital Forensics Blows Hole in Defense: Jessica Hyde Testifies in Karen Read Trial

Digital forensic analyst Jessica Hyde took the stand on May 7, 2025, delivering one of the most consequential testimonies yet in the Karen Read murder trial. At the heart of her appearance was the now infamous Google search: “hos long to die in cold.” The defense has long maintained that this search, allegedly made by Jennifer McCabe, occurred at 2:27 a.m.—before John O’Keefe’s body was found—implying possible prior knowledge of his death. But Hyde’s expert analysis directly contradicted that narrative.

Hyde explained to the jury that the 2:27 a.m. timestamp cited by the defense doesn’t reflect when the search was conducted, but instead when the tab was opened. The actual search occurred around 6:24 a.m., after Read and others had already found O’Keefe’s body. This clarification was damning for the defense, undercutting claims that McCabe’s internet history suggested foreknowledge of the crime.

Hyde’s testimony also served as a broader reminder of how digital timelines can be misunderstood or even weaponized in high-stakes cases. She walked the jury through browser metadata and explained how forensic software parses search logs—often surfacing details far more nuanced than they appear on the surface.

For a case so dependent on technology, timing, and perception, Hyde’s analysis could very well shift jurors' understanding of who knew what—and when. If you’re following the Karen Read case closely, this is one expert breakdown you don’t want to miss.

Hashtags:
#KarenReadTrial #JessicaHyde #DigitalForensics #JenniferMcCabe #HosLongSearch #TrueCrime #CourtroomDrama #ForensicTestimony #JohnOKeefe #LegalAnalysis
Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video?
Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/
Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod
X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod

Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872