DEDHAM, Mass. — As the highly anticipated murder trial of Karen Read enters its fourth day of jury deliberations, the courtroom remains fraught with tension and anticipation. Read, 44, from Mansfield, stands accused of the January 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, under circumstances that have drawn extensive public and media scrutiny.
The accusations allege that Read fatally struck O’Keefe with her vehicle and then left him in the snowy conditions outside a colleague’s home in Canton, where they had both attended a gathering. Her defense, however, contends that Read has been wrongfully framed, suggesting that O’Keefe’s injuries could have been the result of an altercation at the party.
The stakes are substantial, with Read facing charges of second-degree murder, which can lead to a life sentence with potential parole in Massachusetts. Other charges include manslaughter while operating under the influence, carrying a sentence of five to 20 years, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, punishable by up to 10 years.
The jury, a balanced mix of six men and six women, received the case on Tuesday following closing statements. Over 16 hours of deliberation have passed as they meticulously review the complex and conflicting testimonies and evidence presented during the lengthy trial.
Central to the case is the sequence of events leading to O’Keefe’s death. According to accusations, after a night out drinking, Read is said to have intentionally run him down with her SUV. However, her lawyers have painted a different picture, suggesting that O’Keefe was actually the victim of physical assault by another partygoer, claiming that various injuries, including dog bites and signs of a beating, support this defense.
Courtroom activity has been minimal since the jury began deliberations, with only brief appearances by the defense and prosecution as they await the verdict. The jury has posed several questions to the judge, reflecting their careful consideration of the details surrounding the case.
The trial, which began with jury selection on April 16, has spanned over seven weeks with more than 70 witnesses taking the stand, reflecting its complexity and the gravity of the charges. The defense called just six witnesses, contrasting sharply with the 68 summoned by the prosecution.
Marty Kane, a former state prosecutor turned defense attorney, underscored the jury’s challenging task. “They respect their obligation as jurors, and they are going to be diligent, go through all that evidence, marshal the evidence, and come back with a unanimous verdict,” Kane commented on the thoroughness expected in such a grave matter.
As the community and nation watch closely, the outcome of this trial is set to not only determine Read’s fate but also potentially challenge public trust in the legal process and police integrity, given the unusual circumstances and conflicting accounts of the night O’Ke JKeefe met his tragic end. As deliberations continue, all parties remain on edge, awaiting a decision that will bring closure to this gripping saga.