DEDHAM, MASSACHUSETTS – After days of deliberation and a nine-week trial, a mistrial was declared in the murder trial of Karen Read, a Massachusetts woman accused of killing her police officer boyfriend, John O’Keefe, in 2022. The decision came as jurors announced they were deadlocked on the charges against Read, including second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a collision causing death.
Prosecutors argued that Read, 44, intentionally struck O’Keefe with her Lexus SUV, causing his death. However, Read’s defense team claimed that law enforcement officers were involved in a cover-up, casting doubt on the prosecution’s case.
Despite efforts to reach a unanimous decision, the jury remained divided on whether Read was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The mistrial prompted a status hearing to be scheduled later in the month, with prosecutors expressing their intention to retry the case.
Throughout the trial, allegations of police misconduct emerged, with Read’s lawyers accusing lead investigator Michael Proctor of manipulating evidence and conducting a flawed investigation. The defense also presented a theory involving a third-party culprit, suggesting that an ATF agent could be responsible for O’Keefe’s death.
While the prosecution pointed to physical evidence linking Read to the crime, including damaged vehicle parts and DNA evidence, the defense argued that key details were overlooked. Both sides presented conflicting narratives, leaving the jury unable to reach a verdict.
As the legal battle continues, questions surrounding O’Keefe’s death remain unanswered. The case has stirred controversy and raised concerns about the integrity of the investigation, with both sides vowing to fight for justice in the upcoming retrial.