Karen Read’s Appeal Rejected, New Trial Set for Boston Police Officer’s Slaying

Karen Read’s Appeal Rejected, New Trial Set for Boston Police Officer’s Slaying

The Massachusetts Supreme Court has turned down an appeal from Karen Read, the woman accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend in a snowy collision. Her legal team sought to dismiss the case, claiming double jeopardy after a chaotic murder trial ended in a hung jury.

Read, aged 45, is on track to face trial again in April on charges of second-degree murder alongside leaving the scene of a fatal accident. This trial will mark her second appearance in court following the previous case’s mistrial.

Details of the Incident

Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe tragically lost his life due to blunt force trauma to the head and hypothermia during a snowstorm in Canton, located about 15 miles from Boston. Prosecutors allege that Read struck him with her SUV and fled the scene after a dispute fueled by alcohol. Read contends that she left the area before he sustained any injuries, insisting that a cover-up involving law enforcement is at play. The first jury could not reach consensus on her guilt.

Supreme Court Decision

Following the mistrial and a lower court’s rejection of her motion to dismiss, Read appealed to Massachusetts’ highest court. On Tuesday, the court affirmed that jurors had not reached a unanimous verdict on any of the charges, countering Read’s assertion that they deadlocked on only one.

Justice Serge Georges Jr. highlighted the jurors’ sentiments, stating, “The jury clearly stated during deliberations that they had not reached a unanimous verdict on any of the charges and could not do so.” In a lengthy 35-page opinion, the court articulated that any post-trial comments from jurors could not retcon or influence the original ruling.

Jurors’ Divided Stance

Throughout the deliberations, jurors communicated their division on Read’s culpability. In a series of communicated notes, they revealed that they were deeply conflicted about the evidence presented and could not agree on a verdict. However, after their dismissal, some jurors expressed differing opinions, which the court found too late to impact proceedings.

According to the ruling, such disclosures from jurors cannot change the outcome of a trial. “Such posttrial disclosures cannot retroactively alter the trial’s outcome — either to acquit or to convict,” Justice Georges noted. Accordingly, the court upheld the trial judge’s decision to deny Read’s motion to dismiss.

New Trial Preparations

Anticipation builds for Read’s upcoming trial, which will feature special assistant prosecutor Hank Brennan at the helm. Brennan, known for representing notorious mobster James “Whitey” Bulger, has begun efforts to access unpublished records concerning Read from Massachusetts reporters.

Legal Expert Commentary

Legal experts have weighed in on the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling. Paul Mauro, a former NYPD inspector and attorney, emphasized that double jeopardy protections come into play only after a verdict is reached. “I don’t see how that was going to fly, because it was a mistrial; she wasn’t found guilty or not guilty,” he stated. Mauro expressed agreement with the court’s decision, encouraging focused efforts on the forthcoming trial.

Ongoing Litigation

The legal troubles for Read extend beyond criminal charges. She is currently facing a wrongful death lawsuit brought forth by O’Keefe’s family, showcasing the intensity of the legal battle surrounding this case.

Read’s Claims and Defense

In various interviews, Read has maintained that she was framed, asserting that the actual killers could be officers O’Keefe fought with after she dropped him off at the home of fellow Boston Police Officer Brian Albert. O’Keefe tragically ended up dead in the snow on Albert’s front lawn, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding his demise.

Key Testimonies and Evidence

Testimony from Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor emerged as a critical point during the trial, significantly undermining the prosecution’s case. Some jurors reportedly appeared disconcerted as they reviewed certain text messages sent by Proctor. In these communications, he disparaged Read, describing her with offensive language and making concerning comments about her welfare, including wishing she would harm herself.

Looking Ahead

As the April trial date approaches, both the defense and prosecution gear up for a renewed examination of evidence and witness testimonies. The trial aims to determine the truth behind the allegations against Read and the tragic death of Officer O’Keefe.

The legal community and the public are keenly awaiting developments in this high-profile case. The culmination of intense scrutiny, media attention, and a complex legal landscape promises a gripping trial that will unfold in the weeks to come.