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Karen Read murder trial: Are you surprised jurors couldn’t reach a decision?

After days of jury deliberations, Judge Beverly Cannone declared a mistrial in the Karen Read murder trial.

Karen Read listens during closing arguments in her trial at Norfolk Superior Court on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in Dedham. Nancy Lane / The Boston Herald via AP, Pool

By Annie Jonas

July 1, 2024

2 minutes to read

The question of Karen Read’s guilt or innocence in the high-profile murder case that has rocked Massachusetts – and the nation – continues to remain unanswered.

Judge declares mistrial in Karen Read murder trial

On Monday, after days of deliberations, Judge Beverly Cannone declared a mistrial in the case. The Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office has already shared their intention to re-try the case.

The decision came after jurors struggled to come to a consensus, amid intense public scrutiny and debate over two vastly different theories of what happened to John O’Keefe in the early morning hours on Jan. 29, 2022.

“This jury heard I believe about 29 days or so of testimony, 657 different exhibits marked as evidence, 74 different witnesses who testified before them,” Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally said of the deliberations.

Prosecutors alleged Read, 44, of Mansfield, intentionally hit O’Keefe with her car after dropping him off outside a Canton home following a night of heavy drinking, leaving him to die.

On the other hand, attorneys for Read said she was framed and that O’Keefe entered the Canton home, where he was fatally beaten in the basement and attacked by a dog before being left to die on the lawn.

The case has been fiercely debated and closely watched on social media, and has even caught national and international attention.

Despite the case being declared a mistrial, it is certainly not going to disappear from the zeitgeist anytime soon. Several legal experts who spoke with Boston.com reporter Abby Patkin ahead of closing arguments said Read’s trial is sure to leave a lasting impression.

“The entire case is unusual from my perspective — John O’Keefe is not the typical victim and Karen Read is not the typical defendant,” attorney Katherine Loftus said in an email interview with Boston.com. She pointed specifically to Read’s unprecedented media campaign and accusations of a coverup and “lazy police work.”

“It is truly a story that would not be believed if it was written as fiction,” Loftus added. “I expect that this trial will cause divisions and arguments amongst friends and families for many years to come.”

As this unique and high-profile case comes to a close, we want to know:

Are you surprised jurors couldn’t reach a decision?

Plus, do you agree with the immediate decision to re-try the case? Share your reactions with us by filling out the form below or e-mailing us at [email protected], and your response may appear in a future Boston.com article.

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