Karen Read Murder Trial Ends In Mistrial.

The Karen Read murder trial is back in the headlines, following a mistrial Monday, that pleased Read supporters, and shook the hearts of those supporting justice for Officer O'Keefe. Read anxiously awaited her fate following a 27-hour deliberation in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts. Karen Read is accused of killing her then-boyfriend, Officer John O'Keefe, a Boston Police Officer when she allegedly stuck him with her car, killing him. Authorities have stated that Read continues to deny any involvement with O'Keefe's death, stating that he was attending a house party with fellow Law Enforcement Officers at the time of his death.

Will Karen Read be retried for the death of Officer O’Keefe?

The Judge presiding over the Read trial, Beverly Cannone set a July 22, 2024, date to determine the next steps in the case. A statement after the mistrial from the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office read “First, we thank the O’Keefe family for their commitment and dedication to this long process. They maintained sight of the true core of this case to find justice for John O’Keefe. The Commonwealth intends to re-try the case.”

What did the note read before Judge Cannone declared a mistrial?

A final note was handed to Judge Cannone just moments before she declared a mistrial in the Karen Read murder trial. The note read “Despite our rigorous effects we continue to find ourselves at an impasse. Our perspectives on the evidence are starkly divided. Some jury members firmly believe that the evidence surpasses the burden of proof establishing the elements of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.” The note further stated “conversely, others find the evidence fails to meet this standard and does not sufficiently establish the necessary elements of the charges. The deep division is not due to a lack of effort or diligence, but rather a sincere adherence to our principles and convictions. To continue to deliberate would be futile and only serve to force us to compromise these deeply held beliefs.” Judge Cannone responded to the note stating “I’m not going to do that to you folks. Your service is complete. I’m declaring a mistrial in this case.”

Read’s defense vows to continue fighting.

Read’s attorney made a straightforward statement outside of the courthouse Monday, saying “The Commonwealth did their worst. They brought the weight of the State based on spurious charges, compromised evidence and investigators, and compromised witnesses. They failed miserably and they’ll continue to fail, no matter how long it takes, no matter how long they keep trying, we will not stop fighting.”

How did Read’s trial end up a mistrial?

Read’s mistrial comes following five days of jury deliberations. The jury consisting of six men and six women began deliberations following the conclusion of closing arguments on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. A total of 74 witnesses were heard during the trial, 68 of those 74 witnesses were for the prosecution, while 6 of them were for the defense. The jury heard 29 days of testimony spanning over two months. Upon the conclusion of the first round of deliberations, the jury informed Judge Cannone that they were deadlocked, however, the jury was instructed to return to the deliberation room to continue deliberations.

Judge Cannone gave the jury a Tuey-Rodriquez instruction, however, what is Tuey Rodriguez?

Following the second round of deliberations, the Jury was deadlocked again, Forcing Judge Cannone to give the Jury a Tuey-Rodriquez instruction. A Tuey-Rodriquez instruction is a last resort instruction that holds the sole purpose of obtaining a verdict from a Jury that is deadlocked in their decision. However, in the case of Karen Read, the jury was still unable to reach a unanimous conclusion, leaving Judge Cannone with no option but to declare a mistrial for Karen Read.

What was Karen Read charged with?

Karen Read, a 44-year-old resident of Mansfield, Massachusetts, was charged with second-degree murder, operating under the influence, and fleeing the scene of an accident resulting in a death. Read faced up to life in prison with the chance of parole if she were convicted of these charges.

Read stood accused of hitting and killing her boyfriend, Officer John O’Keefe with her SUV following an evening of drinking. Read then left the wounded Officer to die in the middle of a snowstorm in Canton, Massachusetts. The body of O’Keefe was discovered in the front yard of 34 Fairview Road in Canton. The home belonged to Brian Albert, a former Boston Police Officer was hosting an afterparty. It was said that partygoers were enjoying alcoholic beverages in the hours leading up to the death of Officer O’Keefe.

Was O’Keefe attending the after-party?

Read’s defense attorney remarked during the trial that Officer O’Keefe was killed because of a fight that broke out inside Albert’s home, and then he was taken outdoors and left on the yard in the middle of a snowstorm in January of 2022. However, first responders testified at the trial that they heard Read state “I hit him” on the morning O’Keefe was found. Furthermore, first responders testified that eyewitnesses stated Officer O’Keefe never entered Albert’s home on the night in question.