In the sensational murder trial of Karen Read, who is accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, a Massachusetts jury has been deliberating since Tuesday. The case has drawn significant attention due to the defense's accusations of a police cover-up and the passionate support from Read's supporters.
The incident occurred on January 28, 2022, when Karen Read and her boyfriend had been out drinking with friends in Canton, Mass. They were invited to a late-night party at the house of another Boston police officer. After midnight, they drove to the house where Officer O'Keefe got out of Ms. Read's black Lexus SUV.
Prosecutors claim that Ms. Read intentionally struck her boyfriend with her vehicle in reverse before leaving him in the snow to die during a storm.
Officer O'Keefe was found unresponsive later that morning by Ms. Read, who said she had frantically searched for him after waking up on his couch around 4 a.m. and realizing he had not come home.
Ms. Read was arrested three days later and has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter.
The jury began deliberating on Tuesday but did not reach a verdict by Wednesday, with only two notes sent to the judge. Defense attorney Alan Jackson argued for a change in the verdict slip due to its lack of a 'not guilty' box, but Judge Beverly Cannone overruled his objection.
The trial has been marked by intense scrutiny and controversy, with supporters rallying outside Norfolk County Superior Court in Dedham. The case is expected to resume on Thursday as the jury continues its deliberations.
