A mistrial has been declared in the highly publicized case of Karen Read, a Massachusetts woman accused of murdering her police officer boyfriend, John O’Keefe, in 2022. The decision came after the jury deliberated for five days, following a nine-week trial.
The prosecution had alleged that Read, 44, intentionally struck O’Keefe, 46, with her SUV and left him to die in the middle of a snowstorm after a domestic dispute. However, Karen Read’s lawyers claimed that she was framed by law enforcement officers who sought to cover up their own involvement in O’Keefe’s death.
The jury, comprised of six men and six women, sent a note to the judge stating that they were deeply divided and unable to reach a unanimous verdict. The note read,
“Despite our rigorous efforts we find ourselves at an impasse. The deep division is not due to lack of consideration but to a severe adherence to our personal beliefs and moral compasses. To continue to deliberate would be futile.”
While some jurors believe that the evidence was sufficient to convict Read, others felt the prosecution had not proven its case.
The defense had raised questions about the integrity of the investigation, pointing to compromised investigators and a flawed investigation. They also presented an alternative theory of the crime, suggesting that a third party, including a federal agent, may have been involved in O’Keefe’s death.
The prosecution, however, maintained that the evidence, including vehicle data and physical evidence, supported their theory of the crime. They also highlighted Read’s own statements to first responders, in which she admitted to hitting O’Keefe.
The judge has scheduled a status hearing for later this month, and the district attorney’s office has announced plans to retry the case. Meanwhile, Karen Read’s lawyers have vowed to continue fighting, claiming that the prosecution’s case was based on false charges and a compromised investigation.
