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
Boat explosion on Hudson River leaves 1 dead in New York

Unbelievable Canine Mishap: Man Survives Unintentional Shooting by His Own Dog

A Pennsylvania man is on the mend after an unusual incident involving…
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,…
Longtime 'Grey's Anatomy' star diagnosed with prostate cancer

Beloved ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Actor’s Courageous Battle with Prostate Cancer Revealed

James Pickens Jr. is underscoring the critical role of regular screenings following…
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…
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…
Canada to open Greenland consulate after Trump’s push to acquire island

Canada Strengthens Arctic Ties with New Greenland Consulate Following U.S. Interest in Island Acquisition

OTTAWA: Canada is poised to establish a consulate in Nuuk, the capital…
Niger fallout under Biden leaves US troops ‘blind’ in battle with terror groups

Biden’s Response to Niger Crisis: US Troops Struggle Against Terror Threats

EXCLUSIVE: U.S. forces engaged in counter-terrorism efforts against al Qaeda and ISIS…
Donald Trump pardons Jan. 6 defendant, Daniel Edwin, for separate gun offense, releasing him from prison

Donald Trump Grants Pardon to January 6 Defendant Daniel Edwin for Unrelated Gun Charge, Leading to His Release

WASHINGTON — In a notable move, former President Donald Trump has granted…
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…
US Marines exchanged gunfire with suspected gang members in Haiti, official says

US Marines Engage in Gunfire with Alleged Gang Members in Haiti, Reports Confirm

Last week, U.S. Marines stationed at the American embassy in Haiti engaged…
Federal immigration enforcement sweeps Charlotte months after Ukrainian refugee killing shocked nation

Charlotte Faces Renewed Immigration Crackdown Following National Outcry Over Ukrainian Refugee Tragedy

On Saturday, federal agents conducted a significant immigration enforcement operation in Charlotte,…
Florida man accused of opening fire after argument over chickens laying eggs

Florida Man Faces Charges After Heated Egg-Laying Dispute Leads to Gunfire

A heated altercation over chickens turned violent when gunfire erupted outside a…