DEDHAM, Massachusetts – A high-profile murder trial in Canton, Massachusetts reached a pivotal moment as a mistrial was declared after jurors expressed they were deadlocked in the case of Karen Read, who is accused of fatally hitting her boyfriend with an SUV and leaving him in a snowstorm. The jury’s inability to reach a unanimous verdict led Judge Beverly Cannone to declare the mistrial on Monday.
The trial of Karen Read, a former adjunct professor at Bentley University, captured national attention as she faced charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of personal injury and death. The prosecution alleges that Read hit her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, with her SUV after a night of drinking, causing his death. However, Read’s defense claims that O’Keefe was beaten and bitten by a dog before being left outside.
Following the mistrial declaration, Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey announced plans to retry the case. Despite the deadlock in the jury, the district attorney’s office remains committed to seeking justice for O’Keefe. The case is set to continue with a potential retrial as parties are scheduled to return to court for a status conference on July 22.
Amidst the trial, controversy arose involving Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead state police investigator in the case. Proctor faced scrutiny for sharing inappropriate messages related to the investigation and has since been relieved of duty. The allegations against Proctor added another layer of complexity to a case already marred by twists and turns.
The legal battle surrounding Karen Read has sparked intense emotions, with supporters and family members closely following the developments outside the courthouse. The mistrial outcome leaves the case open for further proceedings and potential resolution. As the legal proceedings unfold, the quest for justice for John O’Keefe remains at the forefront of the ongoing courtroom drama.
The complexity of the case, from allegations of a cover-up to conflicting witness testimonies, underscores the challenges faced by both the prosecution and the defense in presenting their respective narratives. The intricate legal saga surrounding Karen Read’s trial continues to unfold, leaving key players and observers on edge as they await the next chapter in a case that has gripped the community and garnered widespread attention.