Jurors are beginning their first full day of deliberations in Karen Read’s second murder trial, which centers on the alleged hit-and-run death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe in 2022. Read’s defense has sought to simplify the verdict slip, arguing that the current format may cause confusion, particularly regarding the drunken driving manslaughter charge. This request came after a drawn-out first trial ended in a deadlock last year. However, Judge Beverly Cannone rejected the motion, emphasizing the nuances of the charges.
The defense’s argument centers on Count 2 of the indictment, which includes the charge of drunken driving manslaughter. Legal experts suggest this may be Read’s most vulnerable point, as the prosecution presented strong evidence of her intoxication. Surveillance footage shows Read pouring extra shots into her drinks, and her blood-alcohol level was found to be significantly higher at the time of the crash. While Read’s defense team argues that she could have continued drinking after returning home, the prosecution maintains that the evidence strongly points to her intoxication.
Read, 45, is accused of hitting O’Keefe with her SUV during a blizzard and leaving the scene. The defense denies that a collision occurred, suggesting instead that a romantic rival may have beaten him to death and staged the scene. This case has drawn significant public interest, and the outcome could have significant legal and societal implications.