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
Jaguars vs Chargers: Everything to know about Sunday's home game at EverBank Stadium

Jaguars vs. Chargers: Key Insights for Sunday’s Showdown at EverBank Stadium

After a challenging defeat at the hands of the Houston Texans, along…
Turning Point USA chapter denied official status by Loyola University New Orleans student government

Loyola New Orleans Law Students and Turning Point Members Challenge Controversial Chapter Denial in Landmark Appeal

Supporters of Turning Point USA at Loyola University New Orleans College of…
China immediately begins trialing its most advanced amphibious assault ship

China Launches Trial of State-of-the-Art Amphibious Assault Ship, Marking Milestone in Naval Advancements

China has embarked on sea trials for its most sophisticated amphibious assault…
'I'm worried': Durkeeville resident voices concerns amid Emerald Trail updates

Durkeeville Community Member Shares Concerns Over Emerald Trail Developments

On Saturday, residents from the neighborhoods of North Riverside to Durkeeville came…
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…
MSNBC's Wallace: 'Cracks in the MAGA Coalition Are Getting Bigger and Bigger by the Day'

Unraveling the MAGA Coalition: MSNBC’s Wallace Exposes Growing Divisions

On Friday’s episode of MSNBC’s “Deadline,” host Nicolle Wallace asserted that the…
South Carolina triple murderer is executed by firing squad

South Carolina Executes Triple Murderer by Firing Squad: A Historic First in Decades

A man convicted of a triple homicide in South Carolina has become…
Four officers wounded in Kansas shooting; suspect dead

Tragic Kansas Shootout: Four Officers Injured, Suspect Killed – Full Coverage

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has launched an inquiry following an…
AT&T data breach $177 million settlement: How consumers can claim their money

AT&T Reaches $177 Million Settlement Over Data Breach: Steps for Consumers to Claim Compensation

AT&T has agreed to a $177 million settlement following two data breaches,…
State Department warns Americans in Japan as deadly bear attacks kill 13 people since April: 'Be diligent'

U.S. State Department Issues Urgent Alert for Americans in Japan Amid Surge of Fatal Bear Attacks

The U.S. State Department has issued a cautionary notice to American citizens…
US seeks UN authorization for Gaza international force lasting through 2027 under Trump plan

Trump’s Bold Move: US Seeks UN Backing for Gaza Peace Force Until 2027

The United States has recently presented its Gaza strategy to the United…
US appeals court upholds hate crime convictions of 3 white men in 2020 killing of Ahmaud Arbery

US Appeals Court Confirms Hate Crime Convictions in Ahmaud Arbery Case: Justice Prevails

Judge Elizabeth L. Branch authored the appellate panel’s decision, noting that prosecutors…