Karen Read Retrial: Jury Selection Begins in Murder Case

Canton, MA - Jury selection began today in the retrial of Karen Read, who stands accused of second-degree murder in the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe. The prosecution alleges that Read intentionally struck O'Keefe with her SUV following a night of drinking in January 2022, leaving him to die in the snow. The defense argues that O'Keefe's death was accidental, possibly caused by a fight or other factors, and that Read is being framed.

The first trial, held last year, ended in a mistrial after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict. Judge Beverly Cannone is presiding over the retrial and has instructed potential jurors to avoid media coverage of the case. The selection process is expected to take several days, with attorneys from both sides questioning potential jurors about their biases and knowledge of the case.

Key evidence in the trial includes forensic analysis of Read's SUV, witness testimony regarding events leading up to O'Keefe's death, and conflicting expert opinions on the cause of death. The case has garnered significant media attention and sparked debate over the reliability of the evidence and the fairness of the investigation. The retrial is expected to last several weeks.