The Karen Read trial, which began in May 2024, has seen intense deliberations by the jury as they attempt to reach a verdict in the case of Read's alleged involvement in the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John O'Keefe. The jury reported on July 1 that they were deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous decision.
According to reports from various sources, Read is accused of hitting O'Keefe with her SUV in Canton, Massachusetts, after a night of drinking in January 2022. She is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol, and leaving the scene of personal injury and death.
The defense has claimed that there is a police cover-up in the case and that O'Keefe was killed inside the home of a fellow Boston officer before his body was dumped outside on the front lawn near the road. However, prosecutors argue that Read intentionally backed into O'Keefe with her SUV and then fled the scene.
The jury began deliberations on June 29 after closing arguments were presented in court. On July 1, they sent a note to Judge Beverly Cannone stating that despite their exhaustive review of the evidence, they had been unable to reach a unanimous verdict. The judge ordered them to continue deliberating.
Supporters of Read have gathered outside the courthouse during the trial and since deliberations began. If the jury again reports that they cannot reach a unanimous verdict, Judge Cannone may declare a mistrial or give special instructions meant for deadlocked juries that encourage them to decide based on their sense of civic obligation.
In another high-profile trial last year, Judge Cannone ultimately declared a mistrial in the case of Emanuel Lopes, who was accused of fatally shooting Weymouth police sergeant Michael Chesna and resident Vera Adams. Jurors in that case could not decide if Lopes was mentally incapacitated at the time of the shootings.
The Karen Read trial is ongoing in Norfolk Superior Court and has been marked by intense media attention due to its high-profile nature and controversial allegations.
