Karen Read Retrial Opens With New Charges, Details

Karen Read's retrial began Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts, where she faces charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of a fatal collision in the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe. The first trial ended with a mistrial after jurors could not reach a verdict, although some later reported unanimous acquittal on the most serious charges. Prosecutors allege that Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV while intoxicated and left him to die in a snowstorm, whereas her defense claims she was framed in a police cover-up and another party at the scene is responsible. Jury selection for the retrial lasted three weeks and resulted in 18 jurors being seated, with the trial expected to continue for six to eight weeks. Judge Beverly Cannone has restricted how the defense can argue alternate perpetrator theories, posing major obstacles for Read's legal team. The case continues to generate national interest, with live coverage and a new special prosecutor now leading the prosecution.