Overview of the Case

Jury selection for Karen Read’s retrial in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, is in its final stages. The trial pertains to events surrounding January 29, 2022, when O’Keefe was found deceased, leading to accusations against Read of second-degree murder and manslaughter, among other charges.

Current Status of Jury Selection

As of Wednesday, April 9, 2025, a total of 15 jurors have been selected, leaving just one more seat to fill in the jury box, which requires 12 deliberating jurors and four alternates. The proceedings are on track for opening statements to commence next week.

Charges Against Karen Read

Read faces serious allegations, including:

• Second-degree murder
• Leaving the scene of a fatal accident
• Manslaughter

Prosecutors argue that Read reversed her Lexus SUV into O’Keefe, subsequently leaving him injured in a blizzard. An autopsy indicated he succumbed to blunt force trauma and hypothermia.

Legal Proceedings

With a potential life sentence on the line if convicted of the most serious charge, Read has lodged a separate petition with the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to have two of the three charges dismissed. This petition was addressed recently, with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson denying Read’s request to stay her trial until the Supreme Court considers the petition.

Defense Strategy

Read has maintained her innocence throughout the legal process. Her defense team suggests that the possibility exists for another individual to have caused O’Keefe’s injuries. They are also scrutinizing the nature of the injuries found on his arm, which included various cuts and puncture wounds beyond those on his face and head.

Investigation Details

O’Keefe was discovered on the lawn of another retired Boston police officer, raising concerns over the initial investigation. An external review of the local police department in Canton, Massachusetts, identified various procedural shortcomings but found no evidence suggesting a deliberate attempt to frame Read.

Trial Expectations

The retrial is anticipated to span six to eight weeks following the full seating of the jury. Jury selection began on April 1, 2025, and efforts continue to finalize the juror panel.