Karen Read's bold media blitz might be working as jury zeroes in on lesser charge: expert
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Were Karen Read’s unorthodox media interviews a next-level strategic move from her defense?

Maybe, according to one Massachusetts legal expert following the case.

Read, 45, is accused of killing boyfriend John O’Keefe, 46, in a drunken hit-and-run Jan. 29, 2022, outside a party in Canton, Massachusetts.

After her first trial, which ended with a deadlocked jury last year, she sat down with multiple reporters to tell her side of the story, a move many legal experts have called ill-advised. But it may have a payoff because jurors appear focused on a lesser charge that she may have admitted to on video.

Special prosecutor Hank Brennan subpoenaed the unedited source material from reporters and played a handful of clips in court in front of the jury.

In one, which appeared to be related to what jurors had questions about, Read discussed spiking her own drinks in the hours before O’Keefe’s death because she didn’t think the bartender was making them strong enough.

“The drinks that they were pouring me at McCarthy’s, which was where I consumed most of the alcohol, was the weakest vodka tonic,” she said. “It tasted just like all soda water with lime, not that I need it to be a martini, but it might have a splash of vodka in it.”

Officer John O’Keefe poses for his official headshot

Officer John O’Keefe (Boston Police Department)

Jurors asked the judge four questions Tuesday, many of them focused on the OUI charge.

  1. “What is the timeframe for the OUI charge? 12:45 or 5 a.m.?”
  2. “Are video clips of Karen’s interviews evidence?”
  3. “Does convicting guilty on a subcharge, for example offense 2 No. 5, convict the overall charge?”
  4. “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?”

Jurors failed to reach a verdict by the end of the day Tuesday. Deliberations resume Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. ET.

“I still think it’s good for her right now,” Rice told Fox News Digital. “Reading between the lines, I think they can’t find the intent needed for two counts and are trying to figure out the reckless component.” 

Read faces up to life in prison if convicted on the most serious charge of second-degree murder. Some of the OUI-related charges also carry multi-year penalties, Edwards said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Indiana executive order establishes drone task force

Indiana Governor Issues Executive Order to Form Drone Task Force

INDIANAPOLIS — In a bold move to place Indiana at the forefront…
Producer convicted in overdose deaths of 2 women will appeal: Attorney

Producer Found Guilty in Overdose Deaths of Two Women Plans to Appeal, Attorney Confirms

Editor’s Note: This article contains sensitive content related to rape and sexual…
Ruben Torres Maldonado, detained by federal immigration agents in Niles while daughter has cancer, released

Federal Immigration Agents Release Ruben Torres Maldonado Detained in Niles, While His Daughter Battles Cancer

A father, who was taken into custody by federal immigration authorities while…
Small Vermont town draws ‘Beetlejuice’ fans to iconic horror movie site

Vermont Village Attracts ‘Beetlejuice’ Enthusiasts to Celebrated Horror Film Location

For almost four decades, the quaint town of East Corinth, Vermont, has…
The only thing Andrew has left: Ex-prince REMAINS eighth in line

Ex-Prince Andrew’s Surprising Royal Stand: Still Holding Strong as Eighth in Line to the Throne

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has become an unusual pariah within the British Royal…
Top Armed Services senators want answers on boat strikes

Key Senators Demand Investigation into Recent Boat Strikes Incidents

WASHINGTON, Oct 31 (Reuters) – The leaders from both the Republican and…
Tensions rise over legality, briefings on Trump’s Venezuela coast attacks

Rising Tensions: Legal Debates and Briefings on Trump’s Alleged Venezuela Coast Incidents

Democratic lawmakers in both the Senate and the House are expressing significant…
Dem candidate storms out of interview after being shown clip of arrest

Democratic Candidate Walks Out of Interview After Confronted with Arrest Footage

A progressive Democrat abruptly exited an interview when confronted with questions about…