The Karen Read murder trial, which has captivated the public with its dramatic twists and turns, ended in a mistrial after the jury remained deeply divided. The Massachusetts jury, after nearly 26 hours of deliberations, could not reach a unanimous decision on Read’s guilt or innocence. The 44-year-old woman was accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O’Keefe, by allegedly striking him with her SUV and leaving him to die in a snowstorm.
Outside the Dedham courthouse, Read appeared relieved, standing alongside her lawyers, David Yannetti and Alan Jackson. Jackson criticized the prosecution, claiming they relied on a compromised investigator and vowed to continue fighting. “We will not stop fighting,” Jackson declared. The Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office quickly announced their intention to retry the case.
The trial, which spanned two months, saw the jury hear from 74 witnesses and review nearly 700 pieces of evidence. Despite their efforts, the jury informed Judge Beverly Cannone that they were deadlocked, citing fundamental differences in their perspectives on the evidence. They reiterated their impasse in a note to the judge, stating, “Despite our commitment, we are deeply divided by fundamental differences. No lack of understanding or effort. Consensus is not reachable.”
Judge Cannone issued a dynamite charge, a last-resort instruction to encourage the jury to reach a unanimous verdict. However, the jury remained divided, leading Cannone to declare a mistrial. The courtroom’s atmosphere was a stark contrast, with Read’s supporters celebrating while O’Keefe’s family and friends were visibly distraught.
Prosecutors alleged that Read intentionally backed into O’Keefe with her SUV during a heated argument in January 2022, leaving him to die in a blizzard outside the home of Boston police officer Brian Albert. Read, however, claimed she was framed in a cover-up to protect the Alberts, a family with significant law enforcement connections. She pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter while driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of a collision causing injury and death.
The trial’s outcome has further polarized the Boston suburb, with protesters voicing their opinions and #FreeKaren billboards appearing. The case has also seen tensions escalate, with supporters of both sides facing harassment and heckling. Aidan “Turtleboy” Kearney, a controversial blogger who supported Read, was assaulted outside a Canton bar, and two Canton residents were charged with assault in connection with the incident.
Kearney, who was arrested before the trial for allegedly harassing witnesses, pleaded not guilty to charges of witness intimidation. His case is ongoing. The trial also revealed salacious details, including vulgar and sexist texts from Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor, an investigator on the case. Proctor’s messages, which included derogatory remarks about Read, were read aloud during his cross-examination, leading many to believe his testimony damaged the prosecution’s case.
Judge Cannone set July 22 for the case to return to court to determine the next steps. The Norfolk District Attorney’s Office expressed their commitment to retrying the case, thanking the O’Keefe family for their dedication. “The Commonwealth intends to re-try the case,” their statement read.
The jury’s final note to Judge Cannone highlighted their deep division, stating, “Despite our rigorous efforts, we continue to find ourselves at an impasse. Our perspectives on the evidence are starkly divided. Some members of the jury firmly believe that the evidence surpasses the burden of proof establishing the elements of the charges beyond reasonable doubt. Conversely, others find the evidence fails to meet this standard and does not sufficiently establish the necessary elements of the charges.”
Cannone responded by acknowledging the jury’s efforts and declaring a mistrial. Read’s attorneys, speaking briefly outside the court, reiterated their commitment to fighting the charges. “The Commonwealth did their worst. They brought the weight of the state based on spurious charges, compromised evidence and investigators, and compromised witnesses. They failed miserably and they’ll continue to fail,” Jackson said.
The mistrial, which followed five days of deliberations, means Read could face a retrial. Legal experts suggest that finding an impartial jury for a retrial could be challenging due to the case’s high profile. Read, who faced charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of personal injury and death, could have faced up to life in prison with the possibility of parole if convicted.
The trial’s closing arguments presented vastly different narratives. The defense argued that O’Keefe was killed during a fight inside Albert’s home and then dragged outside, while the prosecution urged jurors to follow the evidence and Read’s own words. “I hit him, I hit him, I hit him, I hit him,” prosecutor Adam Lally quoted Read as saying, urging the jury to consider the testimony of witnesses who heard her statements.
The trial, which began with jury selection on April 16 and testimony starting on April 29, saw the prosecution call 68 witnesses and the defense call an additional six. Among the prosecution’s witnesses were first responders who testified about Read’s statements and several witnesses who claimed O’Keefe never entered Albert’s home. The defense focused on showing that the investigation was biased and aimed at protecting certain individuals.
Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator, was a key witness. His derogatory texts about Read, which he admitted were “unprofessional and regrettable,” were a focal point during his cross-examination. Proctor is currently under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police but remains on full duty.
Throughout the trial, large crowds of Read’s supporters gathered outside the courthouse, with many wearing pink and holding “Free Karen Read” signs. Supporters traveled from as far as Tennessee and Michigan to show their support.
As the case moves forward, the deeply divided opinions and high emotions surrounding the Karen Read murder trial are likely to continue, with both sides preparing for the possibility of a retrial.
Source: Fox News, CBS Boston
