The latest on the Karen Read murder case
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How did a ceiling fan become a leading visual in the Karen Read murder trial?
The overhead fan in Norfolk Superior Court’s Courtroom 25 has been described by some Karen Read trialwatchers as “oddly mesmerizing” and “David Lynch-coded.”
As countless viewers tuned in for Karen Read’s first and second murder trials, one humble and hardworking hero took center stage.
We’re speaking, of course, about the courtroom ceiling fan.
As a placeholder on the trial livestream during court recesses and certain proceedings not meant for the public eye, the overhead fan in Norfolk Superior Court’s Courtroom 25 has been described by some trialwatchers as “oddly mesmerizing” and “David Lynch-coded.”
So, why the ceiling fan? The answer is a practical one, according to Ethan Nelson, the head of Court TV, the video pool operator for Read’s two trials.
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“One of the rules is usually that you can’t start really shooting the action in the court until the judge is seated,” Nelson explained, citing notes from Court TV Senior Director of Courtroom Coverage Grace Wong.
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“Normally, we find a neutral location, which is oftentimes the state seal,” he continued, shortly before news of Read’s verdict broke. “And basically, that is kind of an indication to our streaming viewers that we’re in court, but the proceedings have not officially begun yet.”
When there’s no state seal available, a clock is often a good backup — its hands move, so viewers know their screen isn’t frozen.
“In this case, neither exists in the courtroom,” Nelson said. “So Paul [Dzendzel, a Court TV staff photojournalist,] smartly tilted up to the ceiling fan as our neutral position as we wait for the official proceedings to begin.”
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Perhaps unexpectedly, that simple logistical choice has launched untold memes, apparel, and even two fan pages (no pun intended).
“You know, I used to be surprised by the Karen Read case and the interest in it and all the kind of more micro aspects of it,” Nelson said. “But now I’m like, the appetite for this case is so voracious that it’s just really taken on a life of its own. So every little aspect of it is … turning into kind of bigger elements.”
He added: “This case is just remarkable in its engagement.”
According to Nelson, interest in Read’s case has been “incredibly high” among Court TV viewers, with “record high numbers” tuning in. He said the level of attention has even grown since Read was first tried last year in the January 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe.
Asked why Read’s hyperlocal trial caught on with a national audience, Nelson pointed to the intrigue surrounding the case. After all, prosecutors alleged Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV in a drunken rage while dropping him off at an afterparty in Canton. Meanwhile, Read’s lawyers claimed she was framed and that O’Keefe was actually attacked inside the home, owned at the time by a fellow Boston police officer. On Wednesday afternoon, Read was acquitted of all charges, except for operating under the influence of liquor.
“Oftentimes when we’re looking at trials, you’re kind of looking at the defendants and, you know, does it kind of strain credulity — like, ‘This person is being accused of doing what?’” Nelson explained. “I think you have some of that here.”
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He also said strong opinions on both sides of the aisle and “lots of twists and turns, and lots of question marks” fuel engagement among true crime fans.
“They like to discuss and talk about, they like to feel part of the process,” he added. “And this one is ripe for that.”
According to Nelson, Court TV’s main mission is to create a transparent environment for the criminal justice system and keep viewers engaged along the way.
“And if they engage with a ceiling fan, that’s great,” he said. “Whatever keeps them engaged with this case is good.”
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