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The recent questions submitted by jurors in Karen Read’s retrial suggest a promising outlook for her defense. Legal experts believe these inquiries could impact the most serious accusations she confronts, particularly the charge of first-degree murder.
On Tuesday at 11 a.m., Judge Beverly Cannone revealed three inquiries from the jury in open court.
Insights from a Legal Expert
“The defense must be feeling optimistic after seeing these questions,” commented Jack Lu, a retired Massachusetts judge and law professor at Boston College. He noted that the first and third questions appear advantageous for the defense, while the second inquiry remains neutral.
Lu mentioned that all three questions indicate the jury is considering a lesser charge instead of the primary allegation of first-degree murder.
Currently, Karen Read stands accused of killing her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, in a drunk driving incident that occurred on January 29, 2022, outside a party in Canton, Massachusetts.
Defense Reaction to Jury’s Focus
Mark Bederow, a defense attorney based in New York City, who represents Aidan Kearney, a supporter of Read, shared insights regarding the jury’s questions. He stated that this issue might have been resolved if a recent defense motion to amend the jury slip had not been rejected by the court.
“It appears the jury is centered around the operating under the influence aspect, based on the three questions posed,” Bederow explained. “This reflects ongoing confusion surrounding the Count 2 slip, mirroring what transpired during the initial trial when the jury struggled with unclear instructions on lesser charges. This confusion led them to acquit on all homicide charges.”
Previous Trial Insights
Karen Read’s first trial concluded last year with a hung jury after more than 25 hours of deliberation across four days. Jurors could not reach a consensus on the verdict.
David Yannetti, another defense attorney representing Read, stressed that the current verdict slip bears the potential to mislead the jury and result in errors, specifically regarding Count 2, which deals with the charge of drunken driving. This slip gives the jury the option to find Read not guilty on that charge along with several included lesser offenses or guilty of various lesser crimes such as involuntary manslaughter.
Read previously discussed her alcohol consumption on the night leading to O’Keefe’s death. In a documentary interview played at trial, she referred to the drinks she was served, describing them as lighter than expected for a vodka tonic and emphasizing the weak taste.
Jurors’ Evaluation of Evidence
Read’s blood-alcohol level was reportedly estimated at around 0.09% when she sought medical evaluation for mental health reasons following the discovery of O’Keefe’s remains. However, it is believed her blood-alcohol content was significantly higher at the time of O’Keefe’s death, with the defense contending that she may have consumed alcohol after returning home.
Grace Edwards, a Massachusetts defense attorney monitoring the case, noted, “The jury’s focus on alcohol’s influence echoes the concerns raised during the prior trial.” She highlighted the critical importance of alcohol in determining the case’s outcome.
Consequences of the Charges
If convicted of second-degree murder, Read faces a potential life sentence. Additionally, several charges related to operating under the influence carry significant penalties, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
As deliberations continue, Karen Read’s retrial unfolds, and both the defense and prosecution prepare for the next stages of this high-stakes legal battle. Observers remain attentive to further developments that may arise as the jury evaluates the evidence and instructions during this critical phase of the trial.
