Karen Read trial: Jury asks judge questions about charges and evidence in murder of Boston police officer boyfriend John O'Keefe
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Readers sound off on the shutdown deal, rescued green space and labor negotiations

Voices Heard: Public Reactions to Government Shutdown Deal, Revived Green Spaces, and Labor Talks

The Dems’ secret strategy to the shutdown deal In Pasadena, California, the…
Kansas officers shot: 3 Osage County sheriff's deputies, 1 Kansas Highway Patrol trooper shot in rural Carbondale, police say

Breaking News: Four Kansas Law Enforcement Officers Injured in Carbondale Shooting Incident

In the quiet rural expanse south of Topeka, Kansas, the peace was…
2025 CMA Awards: What to expect on Country Music's Biggest Night

Anticipating the Highlights of the 2025 CMA Awards: A Preview of Country Music’s Premier Evening

The CMA Awards are set to light up ABC on Wednesday night,…
DNA innovation credited in Idaho, Rachel Morin cases signals shift in race to catch killers, lab founder says

Pioneering DNA Technology Revolutionizes Criminal Investigations in Idaho and Rachel Morin Cases, Lab Founder Reveals

In the crucial moments spent sifting through thousands of tips and following…
OJ Simpson estate accepts Fred Goldman's $58M wrongful death claim nearly 30 years later: report

OJ Simpson’s Estate Settles $58M Wrongful Death Claim with Fred Goldman After Nearly 30 Years: Report

The estate of O.J. Simpson has moved closer to settling a nearly…
How Harvard’s psychological experiments may have lit fuse on Unabomber: expert

Harvard’s Controversial Psychological Experiments Linked to Unabomber’s Radicalization, Expert Reveals

Before the infamous name “Unabomber” became associated with Ted Kaczynski, he was…
Property tax bonfire: Chicago homeowners gather at Harmony Community Church in Lawndale to discuss new house tax bill increases

Chicago Homeowners Unite at Lawndale Church to Address Rising Property Tax Concerns

CHICAGO — On Saturday night, residents gathered at Harmony Community Church in…
FAA grounds additional Boeing models for inspection after UPS crash

FAA Orders Inspections on More Boeing Models Following Recent UPS Incident

In the wake of a tragic UPS crash in Kentucky, federal aviation…
Gurnee Woodland Elementary School teacher Todd Fowler charged with disseminating child pornography, Lake County Sheriff says

Katelyn Heiden Allegedly Captures Boyfriend Efin Nolte in Disturbing Act with Dog at Huntley Residence, Reports McHenry County State’s Attorney

HUNTLEY, Ill. (WLS) — A recent court hearing unveiled new information regarding…
Ex-Hamas hostage Emily Damari recounts 471 days of survival in Gaza: ‘Everyone needs to know what happened’

Former Hamas Hostage Emily Damari Shares Her 471-Day Survival Story in Gaza: ‘The World Must Hear This

As she stood before a captivated audience at Temple Emanu-El in New…
Top Ukrainian officials in Zelenskyy government submit resignations amid $100 million corruption scandal

High-Ranking Officials in Zelenskyy Administration Resign Following $100 Million Corruption Allegations

In a significant shake-up within the Ukrainian government, two high-ranking officials have…
Chargers vs. Jaguars, 49ers vs. Cardinals: NFL Week 11 odds, picks

NFL Week 11: Analyzing Odds and Predictions for Chargers vs. Jaguars and 49ers vs. Cardinals Matchups

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…