The retrial of Karen Read, a Massachusetts woman accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O’Keefe, began on Tuesday with the commencement of the jury selection process.
Read’s second murder trial began as Judge Beverly Cannone introduced the case and instructed 92 prospective jurors at Norfolk Superior Court.
Judge Cannone listed 150 potential witnesses for the trial, prompting jurors to disclose any connections.
Out of the 92 potential jurors present, 40 individuals disclosed that they had already developed an opinion about the case, 16 admitted to having a bias, and 78 stated that they had either heard about or discussed the details of the case, as reported by Boston 24 News.
Throughout the week, 130 new jury candidates will be called in each day until a jury is empaneled. While the jury selection for Read’s initial trial lasted five days, it is anticipated that the process for this retrial could extend over several weeks.
Judge Cannone anticipates that the second trial will last six to eight weeks, with court sessions running Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, prosecutors alleged that Read struck O’Keefe, a 16-year veteran of the Boston Police Department, with her vehicle. O’Keefe was left to die in a snowstorm on the front lawn of a home in Canton, Massachusetts, on January 29, 2022.
In 2024, Read stood trial on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle under the influence, and leaving the scene of an accident that caused death. That trial ended in a mistrial on July 1, 2024 after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict.
The defense portrays Read as a victim, claiming O’Keefe was killed inside the home at 34 Fairview Road, and then dragged outside to be left for dead.
Read has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of a fatal crash.
Read maintains her innocence and has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her, including second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death.
Check back for updates.
Featured image: Karen Read/LinkedIn and John O’Keefe/Boston Police Department]
