Tuesday marked the start of jury selection for Karen Read’s second trial, where she faces charges of murder and other offenses related to an alleged hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, during a January 2022 blizzard.

The 45-year-old’s first trial ended with a hung jury, and the judge later rejected multiple requests to dismiss the case.

This time around, nearly half of the first group of potential jurors told the judge they already have an opinion on the case.

Cannone on Monday ruled that Read’s defense cannot try and blame Albert’s nephew, Colin Albert, for the crime. 

Karen Read and John O’Keefe pose for an undated photograph. (Karen Read)

The defense has suggested other potential third-party suspects, including Brian Albert and ATF Agent Brian Higgins, who were both at the bar and after-party.

The judge ruled that Read’s defense is not allowed to mention these individuals during opening statements, although they are permitted to present evidence throughout the trial that suggests their involvement instead of Read’s.

Witness Brian Albert testifies during the first trial of Karen Read at Norfolk County Superior Court, Friday, May 10, 2024, in Dedham, Mass.  (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, Pool)

Cannone also sided with prosecutors and blocked testimony from a former FBI agent named Michael Easter, who was expected to scrutinize alleged missteps from police in the investigation.

The lead investigator, former Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor, was fired last month after an investigation into lewd text messages he sent about Read while probing O’Keefe’s death, which were read in court during her first trial.

Although he is no longer a trooper, his name is on the witness list the second time around – along with 149 other people.