Judge in Karen Read case sets January date for new trial
Judge Beverly J. Cannone, who declared a mistrial on July 1 after jurors said they remained deadlocked, scheduled Read's retrial for Jan. 27.
Three weeks following a mistrial, Karen Read learned on Monday that her trial regarding the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, will recommence in January. The highly publicized case has attracted intense media attention and a frenzy of supporter and protester activity outside the Norfolk Superior Court. Read, 44, of Mansfield, briefly appeared in court, where Judge Beverly J. Cannone scheduled the retrial and an upcoming hearing for a defense motion to dismiss two of the charges against her.
The defense motion seeks to dismiss the counts of murder and leaving the scene, arguing that the jury had unanimously agreed to acquit Read of these charges during the previous trial. Read's lawyers claim that charging her again for the same crimes is unjust. However, prosecutors refute this motion, stating that no verdict was officially delivered. They allege that Read intentionally and drunkenly backed her SUV into O'Keefe after a night of barhopping, resulting in his death.
Read's attorneys counter by claiming she was framed and pointing to a supposedly sloppy police investigation, shifting stories from witnesses, and unprofessional conduct by the lead investigator, who has since been suspended. The case has ignited passionate demonstrations from both Read's supporters, donning pink, and counterprotesters, clad in blue, claiming to be friends and family of the victim and witnesses. Chants, songs, and signs expressing opposing views filled the air outside the courthouse, with each side vying for justice and support for law enforcement.
The upcoming hearings will determine the fate of Read's charges and the legal proceedings moving forward. The case has divided public opinion, with allegations of corruption and cover-ups clouding the tragic death of Officer O'Keefe. As the legal process unfolds, the impact on all involved individuals and their loved ones remains profound.
The defense motion seeks to dismiss the counts of murder and leaving the scene, arguing that the jury had unanimously agreed to acquit Read of these charges during the previous trial. Read's lawyers claim that charging her again for the same crimes is unjust. However, prosecutors refute this motion, stating that no verdict was officially delivered. They allege that Read intentionally and drunkenly backed her SUV into O'Keefe after a night of barhopping, resulting in his death.
Read's attorneys counter by claiming she was framed and pointing to a supposedly sloppy police investigation, shifting stories from witnesses, and unprofessional conduct by the lead investigator, who has since been suspended. The case has ignited passionate demonstrations from both Read's supporters, donning pink, and counterprotesters, clad in blue, claiming to be friends and family of the victim and witnesses. Chants, songs, and signs expressing opposing views filled the air outside the courthouse, with each side vying for justice and support for law enforcement.
The upcoming hearings will determine the fate of Read's charges and the legal proceedings moving forward. The case has divided public opinion, with allegations of corruption and cover-ups clouding the tragic death of Officer O'Keefe. As the legal process unfolds, the impact on all involved individuals and their loved ones remains profound.