Karen Read’s verdict could come fast—or not: Here’s what other cases show

The Timing of Karen Read's Verdict: Insights from Past Cases

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A former financial analyst from Massachusetts is on trial for the second time at a courthouse in Dedham. She is accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend in a drunken hit-and-run incident. The jury is currently deliberating on her fate.

Karen Read, 45, is facing charges including murder in the death of John O’Keefe, 46. O’Keefe had been caring for his orphaned niece and nephew and was reportedly considering ending his relationship with Read.

Jurors spent just under two hours deliberating Friday and returned Monday for their first full day.

“People are wondering why the verdict is taking so long,” noted Grace Edwards, a Massachusetts trial attorney who has been following the proceedings closely. “I believe the jury is diligently working to understand and assess each charge thoroughly.”

After a six-week trial – twice as long as initial estimates – jurors deliberated for less than three hours and found him guilty of both murders plus weapons charges.

Murdaugh is currently serving consecutive life sentences. He is asking for a new trial after the court clerk on his case was charged with multiple felonies, including allegedly lying to a judge about Murdaugh’s case.

Although those trials have a wide range of both time and results, New York City defense attorney Louis Gelormino told Fox News Digital that the longer jurors deliberate in Dedham, the better things look for Read.

“My first homicide trial was the longest deliberation in NYC, modern history, 9 days,” he told Fox News Digital. “Hung Jury. Three months later, they tried him again, and we got an acquittal.” 

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