Karen Read’s Retrial Enters Deliberations After Dramatic Closing Arguments
On the morning of June 13, both sides presented their final cases in Brockton Superior Court. Defense attorney Alan Jackson, invoking the core of his argument, repeatedly told the jury:
“There was no collision.”
He framed Read as the victim of a police conspiracy, asserting that Boston police officers had orchestrated the crime scene to shift blame. Jackson criticized investigators over allegedly shoddy procedures, including missing witnesses, planted evidence, and failure to conduct thorough searches.
Special prosecutor Hank Brennan countered that Read made a deliberate choice: she was heavily intoxicated, drove her SUV into her boyfriend, left him to die, and actively avoided returning to the scene until later. Brennan emphasized that vehicle data showed Read reversed into John O’Keefe, and that her blood-alcohol level exceeded legal limits.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., Judge Beverly Cannone reviewed legal standards and sent the 12 jurors to deliberate. They began discussions briefly and were released around 4:30 p.m., with deliberation set to continue Monday. Juror No. 1 was designated foreperson.
Key Disputes at the Center
- Collision vs. Conspiracy: Defense maintained no hit occurred and framed the incident as a BLEEDING dog attack, orchestrated cover-up.
- Evidence integrity: Defense cited missing forensic evidence and biased investigators; prosecution pointed to physical data, glass shards, and voicemails showing Read's suspicious behavior that night.
- Emotional vs. rational: Jury is tasked with balancing narrative—whether reasonable doubt exists around each element of the prosecution's case—and facing a decision ranging from second-degree murder to no conviction at all.
- Verdict timeline: Will the jury reach a decision in days or is more time needed?
- Potential directions: Guilty verdict could lead to sentencing; acquittal frees Read. A hung jury would likely trigger yet another retrial.
- Aftermath for defense and prosecution: If convicted, Read may appeal; if cleared, attention shifts to the civil wrongful-death case and what evidence emerges.
This is Read’s second trial—her first ended in a hung jury in July 2024. Charges include second-degree murder, DUI manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a fatal collision involving Boston police officer John O’Keefe in January 2022.
After eight weeks of intense testimony and conflicting narratives, the fate of Karen Read now lies with the jury. Their decision will not only determine her future but also resonate through broader discussions about domestic violence, police integrity, and legal standards.
