Karen Read Acquitted in Officer's Death; Defense Alleges Police Misconduct and Pushes to Block Retrial
July 8, 2024Financial analyst Karen Read was acquitted of murder and hit-and-run charges related to the death of Boston police officer John O'Keefe.
The trial ended in a mistrial due to a deadlock on the manslaughter charge, with jurors reportedly leaning towards acquitting her of the more serious charges.
Read's defense team is now pushing to prevent a retrial on murder charges, citing double jeopardy protections.
The defense argues that the prosecution failed to prove its case and that Read did not intentionally hit Officer O'Keefe.
Doubts were raised by the defense about O'Keefe's cause of death, suggesting he may have been beaten by fellow officers and left to die of hypothermia.
The trial was marred by scandal, including inappropriate texts from the lead investigator and a close relationship between Read's defense lawyer and the investigator.
The lead investigator has been relieved of duty, and an internal affairs investigation into potential misconduct within the Massachusetts State Police is underway.
The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office plans to retry Read, with a status hearing scheduled for July 22.
Summary based on 9 sources
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Sources
The Guardian • Jul 7, 2024
Karen Read saga set for sequel after mistrial in gripping murder caseThe Guardian • Jul 8, 2024
Karen Read jurors had unanimously acquitted her of murder, defense saysTime • Jul 8, 2024
Karen Read’s Defense Says Jurors Were Unanimous on AcquittalYahoo News • Jul 7, 2024
Karen Read saga set for sequel after mistrial in gripping murder case