Lawyers representing Karen Read, the suspect in the Boston cop killing case, claimed that the jury had reached an “agreement” to acquit her before the judge declared a mistrial. This information was brought to light in a motion to dismiss the second-degree murder charges and leaving the scene of an accident. According to Boston 25, three out of the 12 jurors reached out to the defense, stating that they had a unanimous agreement that Ms. Read was not guilty of two of the three charges.
The trial of 44-year-old Karen Read concluded after five days of deliberations, with Judge Beverly Cannone declaring a mistrial due to the jury’s inability to reach a unanimous decision. Despite their efforts, jurors expressed deep divisions and fundamental differences that prevented them from coming to a consensus on the case.
The case revolves around the death of John O’Keefe, a Boston police officer and Read’s boyfriend at the time. O’Keefe died during a snowstorm in January 2022 after allegedly being struck by Read’s SUV, who then left the scene, leaving him to die outside another officer’s home. The main point of contention between the defense and prosecution was whether Read intentionally hit O’Keefe or was even aware of hitting him.
Read claimed that O’Keefe’s police colleagues had conspired against her, setting her up as the scapegoat for the incident. On the other hand, prosecutors argued that the couple had an alcohol-fueled argument on the night of O’Keefe’s death.
Following the mistrial declaration, prosecutors have expressed their intention to pursue a new trial against Read. However, her defense team has raised a constitutional double jeopardy argument, stating that the jury had essentially reached a not guilty verdict on at least two charges.
The case continues to be a subject of intense debate and legal wrangling as both sides prepare for the next steps in the judicial process. The complexities and nuances of the case highlight the challenges and uncertainties that can arise in high-profile criminal trials, where the stakes are high and the outcomes can have far-reaching consequences for all parties involved.
