22 (2 of 2): THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT KAREN READ THAT PROSECUTORS DON'T WANT US TO KNOW: Decode The "TRUTH" Behind Karen Read's Words & Gestures
The Verbal & Nonverbal Evidence You May Have Missed
Welcome back to PART 2: THE DECODING THE BODY LANGUAGE OF KAREN READ, in my riveting two-part newsletter series on human behavior, titled "THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT KAREN READ THAT PROSECUTORS ARE KEEPING UNDER WRAPS." With regard to the heinous murder of Boston police office John O’Keefe, we already delved into the depths of Karen Read's words and statements, dissecting them with expert precision. Today, we will unravel the mysteries of her nonverbal cues from TV interviews and public statements, unveiling the truth behind her anger and formidable personality.
Welcome to “In the DRIVER’S Seat” with me, Janine Driver. I’m happy you’re here! Buckle up, it’s time to DRIVE into the wild ride of the contraversal murder case that has rocked a small Massachusetts town, Canton, MA, only 19.2 miles away from where I grew up, in Waltham, MA…
Introduction to The Complexity of Decoding Human Behavior
Delving into the intricate world of human behavior is like embarking on a thrilling detective journey where facial expressions, body language, and words all come into play when determining credibility. Researchers in psychology and criminology have uncovered the hidden clues that can hint at deception, but decoding these signals is like solving a complex puzzle.
Before we DRIVE headfirst into analyzing Karen Read, it's important to remember that there is no magic formula for detecting lies. Context, individual differences, and the observer's expertise all play a role in accurately interpreting these elusive cues. In fact, during my training with Dr. Paul Ekman on decoding microexpressions back in my ATF days in 2007, he emphasized that while these tiny facial twitches can reveal hidden emotions, the trigger behind those emotions remains a mystery.
Follow me?
When examining Read's case, some might argue that discrepancies in her behavior could be interpreted in multiple ways, not necessarily indicating her innocence or guilt. The ongoing debate surrounding her innocence and the interpretation of her actions sheds light on the complexities of human psychology and the difficulties of determining truth solely through observation.
However, in my analysis, I will focus on establishing a baseline of Read's behavior and word choices when we are certain she is telling the truth. By doing so, we can compare her movements when discussing dropping off O’Keefe at the house party. Additionally, we will identify clusters of information and potential deceptive areas, particularly regarding her alcohol consumption that night.
To listen to my interview on the Karen Read case on the popular crime show podcast called “The Outlier,” hosted by the wonderfully talented Lauren Conlin, click here!
My TikToks on Karen Read
Beyond the Pucker: The Intricacies of Lip Expressions
Video Above: Adam Lally, Norfolk County Assistant District Attorney speaks about John holding a drink glass when leaving the bar and the camera grabs a shot of defendant Karen Read making a duck face (ABC NightLine)
Alright, buckle up because we're diving into the duck face phenomenon, but this time with a twist! So, you know how when you're decoding someone's body language, you're looking for those clusters of moves to figure out what they're really feeling, right? Well, the duck face is no exception! It's like a secret code for confidence or sassiness or whatever vibe they're channeling that day. But hold up, it gets real when we talk about Karen Read.
In pictures of Read in court we see her making that same duck face. Suddenly, it's like the vibe shifts a hundred percent! Now, you're not thinking, "Oh, cute selfie moment," you're thinking, "What's going on behind that smirk?" It's wild how something so seemingly harmless can flip the script when stress levels hit the roof, right?
Let’s explore what this duck face indicates, first, when (usually women) make this face for a selfie, then we will take it inside the courthouse with Karen Read. The pucker face is the facial expression the media keeps pulling and using when giving updates about what’s happening inside the courthouse with Read.
The Selfie Duck Face Pose
Alright, let me break down this duck face phenomenon for you, alright? So, picture this: you're scrolling through your feed, and boom! Duck face everywhere!
Now, where did this quack-tastic trend come from?
Well, let's rewind a bit to the early 2000s, when MySpace ruled the internet kingdom. That's when this whole duck face thing started waddling its way into our lives. Why do women do it, you ask?
It's like this magical spell to amp up the cute factor or to show off those cheekbones like they're on fleek (I know this word is outdated and I’m sooooo NOT cool by using it). Some say it's just a fun way to spice up a selfie, while others think it's the secret sauce to looking Instagram-ready. But, let's be real, it's all about that playful vibe and striking a pose that screams, "I'm fabulous, and I know it!"
What Does the Duck Face Mean When Stress is High?
Now, let's dial it back a bit and unpack what's really going on when stress is on the rise. See, when the pressure cooker's hissing and the stakes are high, that duck face might not be all fun and games anymore. It could be a shield, you know? A way to mask nerves or uncertainty. Or maybe it can be a defiant stance, like saying, "I'm not backing down, no matter what!"
Yes, what I’m saying is this expression can signify disagreement, disapproval, skepticism, or contemplation (thinking of doing something different). It might also be a non-verbal way to signal that someone is thinking or mulling over a decision. For instance, as seen in the picture below, Kobe Bryant, when stress was high used to make this face often on the basketball court when a play didn’t go the way he, or the team, had hoped.
But here's the kicker: body language is like a puzzle, and the duck face is just one tiny piece. You gotta look at the whole picture to get the real story. As for Karen Read, I think this face is connected with her disagreeing with what is being said about her, and she is simply NOT going to back down because, in my expert opinion, she did NOT kill John O’Keefe.
But here's the kicker: body language is like a puzzle, and the duck face is just one tiny piece. You gotta look at the whole picture to get the real story.
So, next time you see that duck face, especially in a high-stress situation, don't just dismiss it as a quirky pose. It might just be the clue you need to decode what's really going on beneath the surface.
“When We Grab Our Chin We’re About to Win”
Alright, let's break down this whole chin-grabbing thing, folks. So, in the wild world of body language, when someone grabs or touches their chin, it's like they're opening a window into their soul, you know what I'm saying? It's not just about scratching an itch; it's about diving deep into those thoughts and feelings. Psychologically speaking, it's like a sign that someone's doing some serious brain gymnastics, weighing their options, or just having a good old-fashioned existential crisis.
The Chin Grab in the Corporate & Business World
Before we chat about what the chin grab may indicate with Karen Read in the courtroom, first let’s look at celebrities, business titans, and maybe even you! In places where big shots strut their stuff, like boardrooms or high-powered meetings, that chin grab is a power move, saying, "I'm the boss, and I'm thinking big thoughts right now." It's all about projecting confidence and authority without saying a word.
During my corporate keynote speaking events, I show videos of powerful CEOs, like former CEO of PepsiCo (for 12-years, and 25-years at the company), Indra Nooyi, making this pose during high-stress interviews, but they remain confident. I like to say, “When we grab out chin, we’re about to win.” The reason is because it projects a quiet confidence.
The Chin Grab Inside the Courtroom
Now, let's talk about the courtroom, where every little twitch gets dissected. Here, a chin grab isn't just a chin grab; it's like a neon sign flashing "Caution: Deep Thoughts Ahead." It could mean that Karen Read isn’t buying what's being sold or perhaps she is trying to process the insanity of this entire cover-up. Forensic psychology experts even say it could mean someone’s mental hard drive is overloaded. You think that could be with with Karen Read (umm, ya)?!
So, whether you're closing deals or you’re in court, the chin grab is like the MVP of non-verbal communication. It's a dance between body language, psychology, and social dynamics, telling a story without uttering a single word. So, next time you catch someone doing the chin grab, pay attention—there's a whole world of meaning behind that little gesture.
Is There More to the Story About the Drinking (and does it matter)?
In an interview on NBC’s Today Show featuring Karen Reid, a particular moment raised questions about the authenticity of her response concerning her alcohol consumption that evening.
Answering a Question Before it’s Been Fully Asked
Rapidly answering a question before it is fully articulated can signal a potential for deception. This behavior, observed when Karen preemptively dismissed the suggestion that she was over-served with a swift "no," aligns with findings in deception detection research indicating that premature responses may indicate a readiness to deny allegations without proper consideration, a phenomenon often scrutinized for its association with deceptive behavior.
Overly Denying Something
Furthermore, Karen's repetition of "no" amplifies the suspicion, as research in psychology suggests that repeating a denial ("no" in this case) can reflect an individual's attempt to reinforce their stance on a matter perceived as contentious or incriminating, a tactic frequently analyzed in the context of verbal indicators of deceit.
The science of deception detection often examines such verbal cues, with studies indicating that both the timing and repetition of responses can be revealing. For instance, research on verbal clues to deception highlights that individuals attempting to deceive might resort to repetition to lend weight to their denials, an effort more about persuasion than mere conveyance of facts. Similarly, the premature delivery of answers can suggest a rehearsed or overly prepared nature of the response, potentially detracting from its credibility.
Verbal Denial Combined with a Micro-Expression of Sadness
Now let‘s chat about Karen's display of sadness after denying potentiallY being “over-served,” evidenced by the dimpling of her chin following her denial. This micro-expression introduces a non-verbal element to the analysis.
Non-verbal cues with regard to facial expressions and deception, can offer a window into the emotional truth that words may seek to mask. The complexity of emotions Karen exhibits could hint at the personal significance of the accusations, potentially corroborating the theory that deception is more likely when the stakes are high or the topic is sensitive.
Baseline & Be Careful of Mind-Reading
Here’s the deal, these insights into verbal and non-verbal cues of deception clearly underscore the nuanced interplay between what is said, how quickly and often it is said. It’s critical to be cautious of becoming a “mind-reader.” The most important thing to remember there could be a million reasons why Karen isn’t owning up to drink 8-9 cocktails that night and quite frankly, it irrelevant! Because Karen Read did NOT kill John O’Keefe (and now thanks to the FBI 3,000 page report into MA police corruption with regard to this case we have proof)!
I only included this part in my newsletter to educate you on what it looks and sounds like when Karen is likely NOT being forthright and how to spot when - and if - her baseline changes. This allows you to compare Karen words and body language, which remains congruent with when she tells the truth - and there is no deception when she talks about not killing John.
About Being Invited to the Party
When Karen Read discusses not receiving an invitation to return to the house party—emphasizing that this oversight wasn't just towards her but extended to John as well—she instinctively points towards the interviewer, then gestures to her right (where John was sitting in the car because she was driving) as though she were addressing John directly. This gesture precedes her spoken words, "I didn’t hear this invitation extended to you," by a slight but noticeable margin. Such a sequence, where the gesture comes before the verbal articulation, aligns with behaviors observed in genuine, truthful storytelling.
In natural communication, body language often PRECEDES verbal expression, acting as an unconscious, preparatory action for the forthcoming speech.
This phenomenon can be illustrated through a simple experiment: making the "call me" gesture and observing that the hand movement to mimic a phone typically occurs just before saying "call me." Attempting to synchronize the gesture exactly with the word "me" feels awkward and unnatural, highlighting that in authentic interactions, gestures tend to lead the spoken words.
This subtle timing difference is crucial in distinguishing between sincere and performed actions, much like the distinction between skilled acting and less convincing portrayals where gestures and speech coincide too closely. Observing Karen Read, this natural precedence of gesture over speech contributes to the perception of her narrative's authenticity, irrespective of personal opinions about her, reinforcing the impression that she's truthfully recounting her experience.
In Conclusion
This newsletter has taken me two-weeks to finish writing because I could go on and on, but in an effort to get it out here, I believe you have enough information to make your own determination on where the truth lives. Yes, I believe Karen Read 100% did NOT kill her boyfriend, John O’Keefe.
Now if we can get some interviews and footage of the people inside that house, we can find out the truth of how John was killed and dragged outside and left to die in the snow.
Resources
- Kübler-Ross, E. (1969). *On Death and Dying*. Macmillan.
- Jung, C. G. (1921). *Psychological Types*. Pantheon Books.
- McCrae, R. R., & Costa, P. T. (1987). *Validation of the five-factor model of personality across instruments and observers*. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(1), 81-90.
- Ekman, P. (2003). *Emotions Revealed: Recognizing Faces and Feelings to Improve Communication and Emotional Life*. Times Books.
- DePaulo, B. M., Lindsay, J. J., Malone, B. E., Muhlenbruck, L., Charlton, K., & Cooper, H. (2003). *Cues to deception*. Psychological Bulletin, 129(1), 74-118.
Thank you for your insight and expertise!! Karen has exuded confidence in the last few hearings as she walks up to and into the courthouse, she shows gratitude for supporters being there which is genuine!! Inside the court room as her powerhouse attorneys dropped some serious bombshells, she was shining with confidence and even mouthed the words "LIAR" as Jen McCabe got up to leave at the end of the hearing!! Its great to see the tides turning for her and your article reassures that those of us that live in Mass & support her are on the right side of JUSTICE for Officer O'Keefe and for Karen as well!!!
Back up a bit to include her history of aggressive jealousy toward other women & John (vacation) and after excessive alcohol consumption. Notice the trend between her & John Alcohol consumption+jealousy=argument
Then there’s the absence of any emotion(no crying, no tears, no watering eyes or sniffling) in court for John. Notice John’s family wiping their eyes with tissues, but
missing from the defense’s table is a Kleenex tissue box. Surely her attorney’s asked her if she would need Kleenex tissues on hand. Is that normal? How could Jodi Arias need tissues and Karen doesn’t?
Morbid jealousy is a condition that can cause irrational thoughts, emotions, and extreme behaviors, often related to a partner's sexual infidelity. Women with morbid jealousy may be more likely to be triggered by perceived emotional infidelity or the development of a close relationship.