Karen Read’s Murder Trial Jury Selected, Opening Statements Approaching

DEDHAM, Mass. — A jury has been finalized for Karen Read‘s second murder trial, paving the way for opening statements on April 22. The 18-member jury consists of nine women and nine men selected from a pool of nearly 600 candidates over ten days.

Read, 45, stands accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, by backing her SUV into him during a drunken incident after a night out in January 2022. The case, which received extensive media coverage, has drawn significant public interest.

The selection process took approximately two weeks, during which potential jurors underwent rigorous questioning. Only about 3.05% of those screened were ultimately chosen, notably more selective than admission rates at Harvard University. The jury’s final composition consists of 12 jurors who will deliberate and six alternates.

Opening statements are scheduled to commence next Tuesday, April 22, at Norfolk Superior Court. A preliminary motions hearing is set for April 16. Special prosecutor Hank Brennan plans to introduce statements made by Read during media interviews as evidence, which could significantly impact her defense.

Outside the courthouse, Read expressed satisfaction with the jury selection process. “We’re loaded for bear,” she stated, indicating her readiness to proceed with the trial. Read has maintained her innocence, claiming she was the victim of a conspiracy and alleging that O’Keefe’s death was the result of foul play by others.

This trial marks Read’s second appearance in front of a jury. A previous trial in July ended in a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury. The current proceedings are expected to last between six to eight weeks, according to Judge Beverly Cannone.

Read has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle under the influence, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death. Her defense is focused on the assertion that evidence has been manipulated to frame her.

As jury selection concluded, defense attorney Victoria George stated they believe the selected jurors are competent and fair. They will face the challenge of not only proving Read’s innocence but also countering the prosecution’s narrative that she acted recklessly.

The legal team continues to fight additional motions, including attempts to dismiss charges against Read, arguing that a prior jury privately found her not guilty on some counts. The Supreme Court is set to hear these appeals on April 25.

Court officials have emphasized the need for a distraction-free environment outside the courthouse, expanding the buffer zone to shield jurors from potential outside influence during the trial.