Judge Cannone Presides Over Karen Read Retrial

Judge Beverly Cannone is set to preside over the retrial of Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, in January 2022 by backing into him with her SUV. Cannone, who oversaw Read's first trial that ended in a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury, will continue her role despite rotating out of her position as Regional Administrative Justice in 2025. She will also serve as the chair of the Superior Court’s Criminal Committee. Read's defense team is appealing to the Supreme Judicial Court to drop two charges, which Cannone had previously denied. Special Assistant District Attorney Hank Brennan is seeking to retest electronics from Read's SUV and obtain cellphone records in pursuit of additional evidence. The case has drawn significant attention, with allegations of a cover-up and claims from Read's defense that she is being framed.