A Massachusetts judge overseeing the murder trial of Karen Read has instructed the jury to continue deliberations after they expressed difficulty in reaching a unanimous verdict. Read is accused of fatally striking her police officer boyfriend while driving under the influence and leaving the scene of the collision in January 2022.
The jury, consisting of six men and six women, informed the court that despite thorough examination of the evidence, they were unable to reach a consensus. Following arguments from both the prosecution and defense, Norfolk County Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone urged the jury to clear their minds, have lunch, and resume deliberations.
The trial, which commenced on Tuesday, involves charges of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death. If convicted of second-degree murder, Read could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment as per Massachusetts law.
The case revolves around the death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, whose body was discovered outside a fellow officer's residence in Canton, Massachusetts, with severe injuries. Prosecutors allege that an altercation between Read and O’Keefe led to her striking him with her vehicle before fleeing the scene, leaving him to perish in the cold.
Conversely, Read's defense team contends that off-duty police officers at the Canton home were responsible for O’Keefe's demise, accusing them of orchestrating a cover-up by fabricating evidence and providing false testimony to implicate Read.
The trial, which has attracted significant attention and controversy, has been marked by allegations of witness tampering, a federal investigation into the handling of the case, and public demonstrations in support of Read.
Furthermore, the prosecution's case has been marred by misconduct, including offensive texts sent by lead investigator Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor about Read, which were deemed unprofessional and condemned by Governor Maura Healey.
As the jury continues its deliberations, the outcome of the trial remains uncertain, with the community closely following the proceedings to determine the fate of Karen Read.
