Retrial Commences for Karen Read in the Case of Boston Police Officer Boyfriend’s Death
Jury selection has commenced in the prominent case following last year’s mistrial, where jurors were unable to reach a consensus regarding the charges that Read had run over John O’Keefe.
On April 1, jury selection began for the retrial of Karen Read, the woman from Massachusetts accused of hitting and killing her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV during a snowstorm in January 2022.
Read, 45, known as a social media influencer, financial analyst, and former college lecturer, is again facing charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
Judge Beverly Cannone, who is presiding over the case in Dedham, informed potential jurors on Tuesday that the trial is anticipated to last between six to eight weeks once a complete jury is in place.
She stressed the significance of impartiality amid the heightened public interest and cautioned that the court would remain unaffected by “the clamoring of the public.”
According to prosecutors, after an evening of drinking in Canton, Read dropped off Officer John O’Keefe, 46, at a party hosted by another Boston police officer and subsequently hit him with her vehicle while leaving, leaving him in the snow where he later succumbed to his injuries.
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The prosecution intends to present evidence illustrating a deteriorating relationship, including reports of arguments and alleged infidelity, similar to the first trial.
Read’s defense team, spearheaded by renowned attorney Alan Jackson, insists on her innocence and claims she is being framed to protect other law enforcement officials who were present at the party. They argue that O’Keefe was killed inside the house and later moved outside to obscure the crime after Read departed.
A key witness for the prosecution is former State Trooper Michael Proctor, who led the initial examination but was dismissed for sending crude and derogatory messages regarding Read, which were disclosed during the first trial.
His credibility is expected to be a significant point of contention for the defense, which argues that his bias compromised the case from its inception.
Judge Cannone ruled on March 31 that while the defense cannot name possible third-party suspects in opening statements, it is permitted to present evidence concerning two men who were at the scene: retired Officer Brian Albert and his acquaintance, Brian Higgins.
The initial proceedings concluded in a mistrial last July, with jurors deliberating for five days before notifying the court that they were irreparably deadlocked.
Some jurors later mentioned that they had unanimously agreed that Read was not guilty of the most serious charge, although the judge was not formally informed of any partial verdicts prior to declaring a mistrial.
The defense attorneys unsuccessfully argued that retrying Read on the same charges constituted double jeopardy. State and federal judges declined those motions, allowing the second trial to proceed.
While many of the same legal representatives and nearly 200 witnesses are returning, this trial will feature a new lead prosecutor, Hank Brennan, a former defense attorney known for representing high-profile or infamous clients, including mobster James “Whitey” Bulger.
Judge Cannone commenced jury selection by informing the crowded courtroom that the law “must be steady, reliable, and evenhanded,” reiterating to potential jurors that Read is presumed innocent and carries no burden of proof.
“This criminal trial will be determined by an independent jury, free from outside interference,” she stated.
A limited documentary series titled “A Body in the Snow: the Trial of Karen Read” premiered on Max last month, reigniting interest in the forthcoming retrial. Read and her legal team, along with friends of O’Keefe, were prominently featured.
Numerous Read supporters, who became a familiar presence during the first trial, are expected to return, voicing calls for her acquittal. The case continues to evoke strong reactions both online and in person, with some viewing Read as a scapegoat, while others firmly believe in her guilt.
Opening statements are anticipated once jury selection concludes, which may take several days due to the case’s high-profile status.
Alice Giordano and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
