Karen Read trial: Jury asks judge questions about charges and evidence in murder of Boston police officer boyfriend John O'Keefe
Share and Follow

BOSTON — A jury asked questions Tuesday as they continue to deliberate in the Karen Read retrial.

Read, 45, is accused of striking John O’Keefe with her car outside a suburban Boston house party and leaving him to die in the snow in January 2022.

However, Read’s lawyers say O’Keefe, 46, was beaten, bitten by a dog and then left outside a home in Canton in a conspiracy orchestrated by police that included planting evidence against Read.

Jurors began deliberations late last week, more than a month after the trial started. The second full day of deliberations began Tuesday morning and ended without a verdict. More deliberations are scheduled Wednesday.

The jury signaled their confusion about jury instructions, leaving many searching for clues in the questions they’re asking.

“We received a question from the jurors. ‘If we find not guilty on two charges but can’t agree on one charge, is it a hung jury on all three charges or just one charge?'” Judge Canone read to the court.

Read is facing three charges: 2nd degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol, and leaving the scene of an accident causing death.

“We don’t answer theoretical questions. I tell the jurors not to be concerned with the consequences of their verdict and that’s exactly what they’re doing here,” the judge said, trying to answer the jurors’ question.

The case against Read has gripped the nation and divided the Boston area, and launching a legion of supporters.

Hundreds of supporters dressed in pink outside the courtroom.

Earlier, the jury asked about the charge of operating under the influence and whether the video clips of Read’s television interviews — including with ABC’s 20/20 — can be used as evidence.

Daniel Medwed, a law professor at Northeastern University who is not involved in the case, said it’s “quite possible it is heading for a compromise or mercy verdict, a split verdict,” in light of the questions.

“My take is that the jury might be homing in the OUI charge, suggesting they might have doubts about whether she struck him at all,” Medwed said.

The defense has said several jurors from the first trial came forward and said the jury was set to acquit Read on two charges but deadlocked on a third, leading to the mistrial.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2025 ABC News Internet Ventures.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Disneyland covered in TRASH as cleaning staff go on strike

Disneyland Faces Unprecedented Cleanup Challenge Amid Striking Workers: Park Visitors Encounter Trash Overflow

Visitors to Disneyland Paris were taken aback this week when they found…
Putin claims 'troops are advancing,' will achieve goals as EU approves massive Ukraine loan

Putin Asserts Troop Progress as EU Sanctions Historic $50 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted on Friday that Russian forces are making…
Friend of Brown shooter reveals he saw as classmates 'slaves'

Revealing the Mindset: Shooter’s Friend Discusses Disturbing Views on Classmates

A confidant of the gunman behind the tragic shooting at Brown University…
What’s inside the newly released Epstein files? Creepy photos, A-list stars, and heavy redactions (Video)

Revelations from Epstein Files: Unveiling Disturbing Photos, Celebrity Connections, and Heavily Redacted Details (Video)

The Department of Justice has unveiled a massive collection of documents pertaining…
Poland foils ISIS-type bomb plot as Sydney attack triggers UK, Europe terror alerts

Poland Thwarts ISIS-Style Bomb Plot as Sydney Incident Heightens Terror Alerts in UK and Europe

In an effort to avert a potential disaster, Polish officials have successfully…
FILE - A lectern awaits the arrival of House Democrats to speak on the health care funding fight on the steps of the House at the Capitol in Washington, Nov. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Top Priorities for the U.S. Government in 2026: Insights from the Latest AP-NORC Poll

WASHINGTON (AP) — Julia Dvorak is increasingly anxious about her 83-year-old mother’s…
NAS Jacksonville sailor arrested after two women killed at Clay County home

Tragic Double Homicide: NAS Jacksonville Sailor Arrested in Clay County Murder Case

A tragic incident unfolded in Clay County, Florida, where a Navy sailor…
Flyers suspend radio man Tim Saunders for 'blowing me' hot mic comment

Flyers Suspend Broadcaster Tim Saunders Following Unintentional Hot Mic Incident

Tim Saunders found himself in hot water following an on-air blunder. The…