A mistrial was declared on July 1, 2024, in the high-profile murder trial of Karen Read after a jury deadlocked with no decision despite over 26 hours of deliberation. The case, which had captured national attention for months, involved the accusation that Read killed her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, following a night of drinking. The circumstances surrounding O'Keefe's death during a blizzard in 2022 became an obsession for people in the Boston region and true-crime fanatics worldwide. However, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
The mistrial came after jurors sent notes to Judge Beverly J. Cannone indicating that they were hopelessly deadlocked on July 1, following an earlier indication of this on Friday. After the second note, Judge Cannone delivered Tuey-Rodriguez instructions but hours later, the jury declared itself deadlocked once again.
Prosecutors in the Norfolk County District Attorney's office announced their intention to retry Read after the mistrial declaration. The defense team had maintained that Read was framed by corrupt officers seeking to cover up a fatal fight between O'Keefe and another officer, Sgt. Brian Albert.
The trial featured testimonies from first responders who heard Read yell 'I hit him! I hit him!' after finding O'Keefe's body outside Albert's house. Prosecutors also presented angry phone messages and a voice message that Read allegedly sent to O'Keefe hours before he died, as well as vehicle data from Read's SUV and evidence of a broken taillight on her car.
The case was marked by conflicts of interest among investigators, witness intimidation allegations, and First Amendment rights debates. The defense team also raised concerns about innuendo not being considered as evidence and the role of Turtleboy in the case.
Despite the mistrial, supporters of Read celebrated after the decision. However, prosecutors quickly announced their intention to retry the case.