Mistrial Declared in Karen Read’s Murder Case
On Monday, a judge declared a mistrial in the murder trial of Karen Read, who was charged with second-degree murder in the 2022 death of her boyfriend, John O’Keefe. The mistrial was announced after jurors reached an impasse following five days of deliberations, bringing a nine-week trial to an uncertain conclusion in a courthouse just outside of Boston.
The Charges and Accusations
Karen Read, a 44-year-old financial analyst, faced serious charges, including second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter while driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of a collision causing death. Prosecutors argued that Read and O’Keefe, a police officer, had a tumultuous relationship that culminated in her allegedly backing her Lexus SUV into him, leaving him for dead on January 29, 2022.
Jury Deadlock and Mistrial
The jury, composed of six men and six women, communicated their deadlock to Norfolk County Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone. Despite their rigorous efforts, the jurors remained deeply divided, with some believing the evidence met the standard of proof for conviction, while others disagreed. This division led to the declaration of a mistrial and a scheduled status hearing later in the month.
Prosecutors’ Determination to Retry the Case
Following the mistrial, the district attorney’s office expressed gratitude to O’Keefe’s family and confirmed their intention to retry the case. This decision underscores the prosecution’s commitment to seeking justice in a case fraught with allegations of misconduct and cover-ups.
Defense Claims of a Frame-Up
Read’s defense team, led by attorney Alan Jackson, argued that she was framed by other law enforcement officers to cover up a beating O’Keefe allegedly suffered at a gathering. They claimed that the lead investigator, Massachusetts state Trooper Michael Proctor, manipulated evidence and conducted a biased investigation. Proctor’s credibility was further called into question due to a series of inappropriate texts he sent about Read.
Prosecution’s Evidence and Arguments
Norfolk County Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally countered the defense’s claims by pointing to physical evidence. He noted that Read had repeatedly told first responders she had hit O’Keefe, and vehicle data showed her reversing her SUV at 24 mph near the home of another officer, Brian Albert. Additionally, authorities found hair and DNA from O’Keefe on the rear section of Read’s vehicle, along with a broken taillight believed to have resulted from the collision.
Defense’s Alternative Theories
The defense proposed alternative theories, including a potential conflict involving ATF agent Brian Higgins, who had exchanged flirtatious texts with Read. They suggested that a skirmish between Higgins and O’Keefe at Albert’s home might have led to O’Keefe’s fatal injuries. However, Higgins denied seeing O’Keefe inside Albert’s home and dismissed any notion of anger over being ignored by Read.
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Expert Testimony and Ongoing Uncertainty
A forensic engineer who reviewed the case for the Department of Justice testified that O’Keefe’s injuries were inconsistent with being struck by a vehicle traveling over 20 mph. This testimony added another layer of complexity to an already convoluted case, leaving the exact cause of O’Keefe’s injuries in question.
Moving Forward
As the legal battle continues, both sides remain steadfast in their positions. The prosecution aims to secure a conviction in a retrial, while the defense vows to keep fighting, maintaining Read’s innocence and alleging a cover-up. The upcoming status hearing will determine the next steps in this high-profile case.
