Karen Read trial: Jury asks judge questions about charges and evidence in murder of Boston police officer boyfriend John O'Keefe

BOSTON — A jury asked questions Tuesday as they continue to deliberate in the Karen Read retrial.

Read, 45, is accused of striking John O’Keefe with her car outside a suburban Boston house party and leaving him to die in the snow in January 2022.

According to Read’s attorneys, they allege that O’Keefe, aged 46, was not only brutally attacked and mauled by a dog but subsequently abandoned outside a Canton residence. They claim this was part of a conspiracy by the police, who are accused of fabricating evidence against Read.

Jury deliberations commenced late last week, over a month after the trial initially began. This marked the second complete day of discussions, starting on Tuesday morning and concluding without a decision. Additional deliberations are slated for Wednesday.

The jury signaled their confusion about jury instructions, leaving many searching for clues in the questions they’re asking.

“We received an inquiry from the jurors: ‘If we find not guilty on two charges but cannot come to a consensus on one charge, does that mean a hung jury on all three charges or just on one?'” Judge Canone conveyed to the courtroom.

Read is facing three charges: 2nd degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol, and leaving the scene of an accident causing death.

RELATED: Things to know about the retrial of Karen Read in the killing of her police officer boyfriend

“We don’t answer theoretical questions. I tell the jurors not to be concerned with the consequences of their verdict and that’s exactly what they’re doing here,” the judge said, trying to answer the jurors’ question.

The case against Read has gripped the nation and divided the Boston area, and launching a legion of supporters.

Hundreds of supporters dressed in pink outside the courtroom.

Earlier, the jury asked about the charge of operating under the influence and whether the video clips of Read’s television interviews — including with ABC’s 20/20 — can be used as evidence.

Daniel Medwed, a law professor at Northeastern University who is not involved in the case, said it’s “quite possible it is heading for a compromise or mercy verdict, a split verdict,” in light of the questions.

“My take is that the jury might be homing in the OUI charge, suggesting they might have doubts about whether she struck him at all,” Medwed said.

The defense has said several jurors from the first trial came forward and said the jury was set to acquit Read on two charges but deadlocked on a third, leading to the mistrial.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2025 ABC News Internet Ventures.

You May Also Like
Coachella axes data center project, considers future tech campus ban

Coachella Scraps Data Center Plan: Is a Tech Campus Ban on the Horizon?

The City of Coachella has reversed its decision on data centers, following…
Washington father arrested after allegedly killing 4-year-old son and burying body under his house: reports

Washington Father Charged in Alleged Murder of 4-Year-Old Son, Body Discovered Beneath Residence: Reports

A Washington state father has been detained following allegations that he killed…
'Tiana's Joyful Celebration,' based on Disney's 'The Princess and the Frog,' at Children's Museum of Indianapolis in Indiana

Experience Enchantment: ‘Tiana’s Joyful Celebration’ Brings Disney Magic to Life at Indianapolis Children’s Museum

INDIANAPOLIS — This summer, families looking for a magical outing can explore…
'Twenty' failures later, non-profit founder achieves American Dream

From Setbacks to Success: How One Non-Profit Founder Conquered 20 Failures to Achieve the American Dream

In collaboration with the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, The…
Michigan athlete lured by Snapchat message before being shot, dumped in lake while still alive

Tragic Incident: Michigan Athlete Targeted via Snapchat and Found in Lake

Tiffany Valdez still vividly remembers the chilling sound of gunfire that preceded…
Mackenzie Shirilla's texts surface as 'hell on wheels' driver's appeal collides with Netflix's 'The Crash'

VIDEO: Mackenzie Shirilla’s Father Criticizes Police, Labels Her as ‘Immature’ in Bodycam Footage

Newly surfaced bodycam footage reveals Mackenzie Shirilla’s father expressing his frustration with…
Knicks fans go bonkers in NYC after Game 2 Finals win, celebrating in streets outside MSG

Knicks Fans Erupt in Joyful Street Celebration Outside MSG Following Game 2 Finals Triumph

Friday night saw Midtown awash in a vibrant blend of blue and…
Erika Kirk won't let heckler ruin Turning Point summit speech as she wows crowd with clapback

Erika Kirk Shuts Down Heckler with Powerful Response at Turning Point Summit

At the Turning Point USA’s Women Leadership Summit, Erika Kirk captivated the…
Hammond, Indiana Bears news: Illinois leaders, fans across Chicago area react after Bears advance stadium plans

Illinois Leaders and Chicago Fans Rally Around Exciting New Bears Stadium Plans in Hammond

In a significant development, the Chicago Bears’ Board of Directors has taken…
NYC Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels could face charges in probe over shady contracts — and DOE is 'at DEFCON 1'

NYC Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels Under Investigation for Alleged Contract Misconduct: DOE on High Alert

New York City Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels is under scrutiny as investigators…
Raúl Castro makes first public appearance since Trump administration charged him with murder

Raúl Castro Emerges Publicly Following U.S. Murder Charges During Trump Era

Raúl Castro indicted for 1996 shoot-down of American pilots Senator Ashley Moody,…
GOP firebrand rips lefty silence on NYC DSA pol who condemned Muslim pro-Israel protesters to hell

Conservative Leader Criticizes NYC DSA Official for Remarks on Pro-Israel Muslim Protesters

In a recent development, a Republican councilwoman from New York City is…