Karen Read could be convicted of just drunk driving as jurors remain deadlocked on one final charge
Karen Read could be convicted of just drunk driving as jurors apparently remained at odds over one count and received a new easier-to-follow verdict slip from the judge.
The amended slip was offered after the jury had a series of questions for the Judge Beverly Cannone during their second full-day of deliberations Tuesday at Read's second trial.
The slip, which concerns Read's second charge of manslaughter, gives better step-by-step instructions.
4 A photo of Karen Read and late Office John O'Keefe.
Courtesy of David Yannetti
4 A video from a 'Ring' camera at John O'Keefe's home, Karen Read is seen arriving in her SUV.
AP
The amended slip for the manslaughter charge has more language that instructs jurors they could convict or acquit Read of manslaughter and all lesser included charges, or the jury could pick a lesser offense to convict or acquit.
The very last included offense is operating under the influence of liquor. The new slip instructs jurors to move on to and consider that charge if they cannot find Read guilty of any of the larger subcounts.
A question submitted by the panel deciding Read's fate Tuesday asked the judge if it would be a hung jury if they find Read not guilty on two charges, but can't come to a consensus on another count.
4 Karen Read in courtroom for her retrial.
AP
After Cannone asked if the tweaked instructions were clearer, several jurors nodded yes, Masslive reported.
Read faces charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.
4 Karen Read's last trial ended in a mistrial.
David McGlynn
Read is accused of killing her Boston cop boyfriend by striking him with her car and leaving him for dead outside a Canton house party.
Her first trial ended in a mistrial.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
Karen Read faces a civil lawsuit after being acquitted of murder. What's next
Karen Read descended the steps of the Norfolk County Superior Court on Wednesday a free woman, acquitted of murder. Met by a sea of supporters, cheering and firing pink confetti cannons, there were tears and 'I love you' gestures as the crowd — and Read — celebrated a long sought-after legal conclusion even one that came with a conviction on a lesser charge. The future seems bright for the woman who has gone from homicide suspect to cult hero, but her legal battles are not quite over. Following two criminal jury trials over the death of her police officer boyfriend, Read has become something of a celebrity to her supporters, who reveled in her acquittal this week. But the former financial analyst, who has spent more than three years as a murder suspect, still faces a civil lawsuit over John O'Keefe's death. It's not entirely clear what comes next for Read. However, immediately following the verdict, she appeared to be just taking in the moment with her family. Read was seen having a celebratory dinner with her defense team and family members at an upscale restaurant in the Seaport section of Boston Wednesday night, according to CNN affiliate WCVB. 'Happy, I'm happy, thank you,' Read told reporters. 'I fought for John O'Keefe, harder than anyone.' While prosecutors cannot bring criminal charges against her again over O'Keefe's death, Read still has other legal issues to contend with. O'Keefe's family filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit in August 2024, alleging Read 'intended the reckless conduct that resulted' in his death. The lawsuit also accuses the two Canton bars — C.F. McCarthy's and the Waterfall Bar and Grill — saying they 'negligently served alcohol to an intoxicated person.' Both bars have denied that allegation, according to court filings. O'Keefe's family said Read's public comments about what happened that night were a 'false narrative' and caused them 'aggravated emotional distress,' according to the filing. Read has participated in interviews and a documentary series about the case, and has said her public comments are 'her testimony.' The civil suit is not just about the circumstances that led to O'Keefe's death. His family alleges Read also inflicted emotional distress on O'Keefe's niece when she woke the girl up to tell her something had happened to her uncle, according to the lawsuit. Read's lawyers in the civil case declined to comment to CNN on ongoing litigation. CNN has not heard back from the O'Keefe's attorneys. The O'Keefe's are seeking $50,000 in damages, according to filings, and the case could go to trial if a settlement is not reached first. The civil suit was put on hold while the criminal trial played out, court documents show. The docket shows no new court dates have yet been scheduled. While Read was acquitted of murder, the jury found her guilty of drunk driving. She was sentenced to one year probation and will have to complete a driver alcohol education program, the standard sentence for first-time offenders. As a condition of the driver alcohol education program, Read's driver's license will also be suspended for up to 90 days, according to Massachusetts law. Read's acquittal in O'Keefe's murder means no one has yet been held accountable for his death. David Yannetti, one of Read's attorneys, reiterated Thursday that while his client was found not guilty of O'Keefe's killing, there might still be more to be done. 'They charged the wrong person, and they went after an innocent woman for three and a half years and they failed because they charged the wrong person. But somebody's still out there,' he told WCVB outside the restaurant. It is unclear if the homicide investigation into O'Keefe's death will continue. Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey told CNN affiliate WBZ after court 'the jury has spoken.' CNN reached out to his office, but they had no further comment about the verdict or the homicide investigation. John Jackson, an O'Keefe family friend, told CNN affiliate WCVB they will try to move on and keep O'Keefe's memory alive. 'He just deserved much more than this… This circus, it's unacceptable. But you respect the jury's decision. It's what it is,' Jackson said. The FBI initiated a federal investigation into law enforcement after O'Keefe's death, but special prosecutor Hank Brennen announced in court during Read's second trial that it was closed without any charges being filed. Defense attorney Alan Jackson, however, said in an interview Thursday with a local radio program, the Howie Carr Show, he still has questions about that investigation. 'I've never heard of an investigative agency announcing to the target that the investigation is closed. That has never happened,' he told Carr. 'So, I still have questions about that.' Jackson said he thinks there is 'plenty of evidence for them to investigate, and I think they should.' The Massachusetts State Police vowed to take new steps to improve its process following O'Keefe's death and the subsequent investigation. 'The events of the last three years have challenged our Department to thoroughly review our actions and take concrete steps to deliver advanced investigative training, ensure appropriate oversight, and enhance accountability,' Col. Geoffrey Noble said in a statement posted Thursday on Facebook. Legal battles are expensive and Read racked up significant costs while maintaining her innocence, according to reporting from Vanity Fair last year. The publication said Read paid '$1.2 million leading up to and during' her first trial, depleting her savings and other donations. That included the costs of everything from paying bail to accommodations for her lawyers and to experts like private investigators, Vanity Fair reported. Before her second trial even started, Read had $5 million of deferred legal bills, according to the magazine. As of Friday, people were still donating to an online legal fund for Read that has raised more than one million dollars. Speaking to supporters from the courthouse steps after the verdict on Wednesday, Read thanked them for their financial support. Read's health issues may also play a significant role in her future. Read has said she has Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis, and text messages about her health conditions from lead investigator Michael Proctor came up during the first trial, according to court reporting from WCVB. One day of testimony in her second trial was postponed due to a 'health issue,' the court clerk said. CNN affiliate WCVB reported Read was sick, citing a source close to the case. CNN has reached out to Read and her attorneys for comment on this reporting but did not hear back. Three and a half years ago, the murder case against Read divided the tight-knit town of Canton, Massachusetts, and its nearby suburbs. Residents stormed city council meetings, demanding answers. Some accused the local police of a cover-up to protect those at the party on Fairview Road. Others turned to social media forums to discuss the intricacies of that fateful night, turning what began as a local homicide case into a broader national sensation. Many residents in Canton and its surrounding areas picked a side: they either agreed with prosecutors who said Read hit and killed O'Keefe with her car after a night out or sided with the defense, who said she was framed. The allegations of corruption and law enforcement tainting the investigation into O'Keefe's death was a galvanizing force for Read's supporters. The public outpouring of support started as a grassroots movement, according to CNN correspondent Jean Casarez, who has spoken with many of the people in Read's crowds. The movement was based on the belief among many that law enforcement tampering with evidence was rampant in their community — and Read's case became the symbol of that. In a previous statement to CNN, Canton Police Chief Helena Rafferty said investigators found 'absolutely no evidence of a cover up in the tragic death of John O'Keefe.' At a town board meeting in August 2023, she acknowledged there's a 'mistrust for the police department' in Canton, but said it's not as widespread as portrayed. 'However, I do acknowledge that it is there, and I hear you,' she said. 'I believe the first step in bridging that trust gap is effective and healthy communication.' She did not respond to further questions from CNN on the root of the mistrust. The town's Select Board Chair John McCourt acknowledged this week the case has 'deeply affected' the community. He said the trial's 'outcome may bring a sense of relief to some and continue to raise questions for others. We encourage members of the community to move forward together, treating one another with respect through civil, constructive dialogue,' according to a statement on the town's website Thursday. The public interest in the case continues. The day of the verdict, Netflix announced a new documentary series that 'will explore what happened in the days leading up to O'Keefe's death,' according to a statement from the streaming company. CNN's Faith Karimi and Jean Casarez contributed reporting.
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
Karen Read faces a civil lawsuit after being acquitted of murder. What's next
CrimeFacebookTweetLink Follow Karen Read descended the steps of the Norfolk County Superior Court on Wednesday a free woman, acquitted of murder. Met by a sea of supporters, cheering and firing pink confetti cannons, there were tears and 'I love you' gestures as the crowd — and Read — celebrated a long sought-after legal conclusion even one that came with a conviction on a lesser charge. The future seems bright for the woman who has gone from homicide suspect to cult hero, but her legal battles are not quite over. Following two criminal jury trials over the death of her police officer boyfriend, Read has become something of a celebrity to her supporters, who reveled in her acquittal this week. But the former financial analyst, who has spent more than three years as a murder suspect, still faces a civil lawsuit over John O'Keefe's death. It's not entirely clear what comes next for Read. However, immediately following the verdict, she appeared to be just taking in the moment with her family. Read was seen having a celebratory dinner with her defense team and family members at an upscale restaurant in the Seaport section of Boston Wednesday night, according to CNN affiliate WCVB. 'Happy, I'm happy, thank you,' Read told reporters. 'I fought for John O'Keefe, harder than anyone.' While prosecutors cannot bring criminal charges against her again over O'Keefe's death, Read still has other legal issues to contend with. O'Keefe's family filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit in August 2024, alleging Read 'intended the reckless conduct that resulted' in his death. The lawsuit also accuses the two Canton bars — C.F. McCarthy's and the Waterfall Bar and Grill — saying they 'negligently served alcohol to an intoxicated person.' Both bars have denied that allegation, according to court filings. O'Keefe's family said Read's public comments about what happened that night were a 'false narrative' and caused them 'aggravated emotional distress,' according to the filing. Read has participated in interviews and a documentary series about the case, and has said her public comments are 'her testimony.' The civil suit is not just about the circumstances that led to O'Keefe's death. His family alleges Read also inflicted emotional distress on O'Keefe's niece when she woke the girl up to tell her something had happened to her uncle, according to the lawsuit. Read's lawyers in the civil case declined to comment to CNN on ongoing litigation. CNN has not heard back from the O'Keefe's attorneys. The O'Keefe's are seeking $50,000 in damages, according to filings, and the case could go to trial if a settlement is not reached first. The civil suit was put on hold while the criminal trial played out, court documents show. The docket shows no new court dates have yet been scheduled. While Read was acquitted of murder, the jury found her guilty of drunk driving. She was sentenced to one year probation and will have to complete a driver alcohol education program, the standard sentence for first-time offenders. As a condition of the driver alcohol education program, Read's driver's license will also be suspended for up to 90 days, according to Massachusetts law. Read's acquittal in O'Keefe's murder means no one has yet been held accountable for his death. David Yannetti, one of Read's attorneys, reiterated Thursday that while his client was found not guilty of O'Keefe's killing, there might still be more to be done. 'They charged the wrong person, and they went after an innocent woman for three and a half years and they failed because they charged the wrong person. But somebody's still out there,' he told WCVB outside the restaurant. It is unclear if the homicide investigation into O'Keefe's death will continue. Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey told CNN affiliate WBZ after court 'the jury has spoken.' CNN reached out to his office, but they had no further comment about the verdict or the homicide investigation. John Jackson, an O'Keefe family friend, told CNN affiliate WCVB they will try to move on and keep O'Keefe's memory alive. 'He just deserved much more than this… This circus, it's unacceptable. But you respect the jury's decision. It's what it is,' Jackson said. The FBI initiated a federal investigation into law enforcement after O'Keefe's death, but special prosecutor Hank Brennen announced in court during Read's second trial that it was closed without any charges being filed. Defense attorney Alan Jackson, however, said in an interview Thursday with a local radio program, the Howie Carr Show, he still has questions about that investigation. 'I've never heard of an investigative agency announcing to the target that the investigation is closed. That has never happened,' he told Carr. 'So, I still have questions about that.' Jackson said he thinks there is 'plenty of evidence for them to investigate, and I think they should.' The Massachusetts State Police vowed to take new steps to improve its process following O'Keefe's death and the subsequent investigation. 'The events of the last three years have challenged our Department to thoroughly review our actions and take concrete steps to deliver advanced investigative training, ensure appropriate oversight, and enhance accountability,' Col. Geoffrey Noble said in a statement posted Thursday on Facebook. Legal battles are expensive and Read racked up significant costs while maintaining her innocence, according to reporting from Vanity Fair last year. The publication said Read paid '$1.2 million leading up to and during' her first trial, depleting her savings and other donations. That included the costs of everything from paying bail to accommodations for her lawyers and to experts like private investigators, Vanity Fair reported. Before her second trial even started, Read had $5 million of deferred legal bills, according to the magazine. As of Friday, people were still donating to an online legal fund for Read that has raised more than one million dollars. Speaking to supporters from the courthouse steps after the verdict on Wednesday, Read thanked them for their financial support. Read's health issues may also play a significant role in her future. Read has said she has Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis, and text messages about her health conditions from lead investigator Michael Proctor came up during the first trial, according to court reporting from WCVB. One day of testimony in her second trial was postponed due to a 'health issue,' the court clerk said. CNN affiliate WCVB reported Read was sick, citing a source close to the case. CNN has reached out to Read and her attorneys for comment on this reporting but did not hear back. Three and a half years ago, the murder case against Read divided the tight-knit town of Canton, Massachusetts, and its nearby suburbs. Residents stormed city council meetings, demanding answers. Some accused the local police of a cover-up to protect those at the party on Fairview Road. Others turned to social media forums to discuss the intricacies of that fateful night, turning what began as a local homicide case into a broader national sensation. Many residents in Canton and its surrounding areas picked a side: they either agreed with prosecutors who said Read hit and killed O'Keefe with her car after a night out or sided with the defense, who said she was framed. The allegations of corruption and law enforcement tainting the investigation into O'Keefe's death was a galvanizing force for Read's supporters. The public outpouring of support started as a grassroots movement, according to CNN correspondent Jean Casarez, who has spoken with many of the people in Read's crowds. The movement was based on the belief among many that law enforcement tampering with evidence was rampant in their community — and Read's case became the symbol of that. In a previous statement to CNN, Canton Police Chief Helena Rafferty said investigators found 'absolutely no evidence of a cover up in the tragic death of John O'Keefe.' At a town board meeting in August 2023, she acknowledged there's a 'mistrust for the police department' in Canton, but said it's not as widespread as portrayed. 'However, I do acknowledge that it is there, and I hear you,' she said. 'I believe the first step in bridging that trust gap is effective and healthy communication.' She did not respond to further questions from CNN on the root of the mistrust. The town's Select Board Chair John McCourt acknowledged this week the case has 'deeply affected' the community. He said the trial's 'outcome may bring a sense of relief to some and continue to raise questions for others. We encourage members of the community to move forward together, treating one another with respect through civil, constructive dialogue,' according to a statement on the town's website Thursday. The public interest in the case continues. The day of the verdict, Netflix announced a new documentary series that 'will explore what happened in the days leading up to O'Keefe's death,' according to a statement from the streaming company. CNN's Faith Karimi and Jean Casarez contributed reporting.
San Francisco Chronicle
an hour ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
A deadly race for food: Palestinians in Gaza risk harrowing journey day after day
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Each day, Palestinians in Gaza run a deadly gantlet in hopes of getting food. Israeli troops open barrages of gunfire toward crowds crossing military zones to get to the aid, they say, and knife-wielding thieves wait to ambush those who succeed. Palestinians say lawlessness is growing as they are forced into a competition to feed their families. A lucky few manage to secure some packets of lentils, a jar of Nutella or a bag of flour. Many return empty-handed and must attempt the ordeal again the next day. 'This isn't aid. It's humiliation. It's death,' said Jamil Atili, his face shining with sweat as he made his way back last week from a food center run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli-backed private contractor. He had suffered a knife cut across his cheek amid the scramble for food and said a contractor guard pepper-sprayed him in the face. Still, he emerged with nothing for his 13 family members. 'I have nothing to feed my children,' he said, nearly crying. 'My heart is broken.' Israel began allowing food into Gaza this past month after cutting it off completely for 10 weeks, though United Nations officials say it is not enough to stave off starvation. Most of the supplies go to GHF, which operates four food distribution points inside Israeli military zones. A trickle of aid goes to the U.N. and humanitarian groups. Both systems are mired in chaos. Daily gunfire by Israeli troops toward crowds on the roads heading to the GHF centers has killed several hundred people and wounded hundreds more in past weeks, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. At the same time, in past weeks, hungry crowds overwhelm most of the U.N.'s truck convoys and strip away the supplies. Israeli troops have opened fire to disperse crowds waiting for trucks near military zones, witnesses say — and on Tuesday, more than 50 people were killed, according to the ministry. The Israeli military says it is investigating. 'I don't see how it can get any worse, because it is already apocalyptic. But somehow it does get worse,' said Olga Cherevko, spokesperson for the U.N. humanitarian affairs office. Israel and GHF downplay the violence Israel says it has only fired warning shots at suspects who approached its forces along the roads to the GHF food centers. Palestinian witnesses say the troops fire to prevent crowds from moving past a certain point before the centers open or because people leave the road designated by the military. They describe heavy barrages from tanks, snipers, drones and even guns mounted on cranes. Asked how its soldiers control movement, the military told The Associated Press its 'operational conduct ... is accompanied by systematic learning processes.' It said it was looking into safety measures like fences and road signs. GHF says no shootings have taken place in or near its hubs. A spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity under GHF rules, said incidents take place before sites open involving aid-seekers who move 'during prohibited times ... or trying to take a short cut.' They said GHF is trying to improve safety, in part by changing opening times to daylight hours. Israel intends for GHF to replace the U.N.-led aid network in Gaza, contending that Hamas diverts large amounts of aid from it. The U.N. denies the claim. Ducking under fire Thousands of people must walk miles to reach the GHF centers, three of which are in the far south outside the city of Rafah. Palestinians said the danger begins when the crowds enter the Israeli military zone encompassing Rafah. Mohammed Saqer, a father of three who risked the trip multiple times, said that when he went last week, tanks were firing over the heads of the crowds as drone announcements told everyone to move back. It's 'like it was 'Squid Game,'' Saqer said, referring to the dystopian thriller TV series in which contestants risk their lives to win a prize. Just raising your head might mean death, he said. He and others crawled forward, then left the main road. A shot rang out nearby and they ducked, he said. They found a young man on the ground, shot in the back. The others assumed he was dead, but Saqer felt his chest — it was still warm, and he found a pulse. They carried him to a point where a car could pick him up. Saqer said he stood for a moment, traumatized by the scene. Then people shouted that the site had opened. The mad dash Everyone broke into a crazed run, he said. He saw several people wounded on the ground. One man, bleeding from his abdomen, reached out his hand, pleading for help. No one stopped. 'Everyone is just running to get to the aid, to get there first,' Saqer said. Omar al-Hobi described the same scene the four times he went last week. Twice, he returned empty-handed; once, he managed to grab a pack of lentils. On the fourth day, he was determined to secure flour for his three children and pregnant wife. He said he and others inched their way forward under tank fire. He saw several people shot in the legs. One man fell bleeding to the ground, apparently dead, he said. Horrified, al-Hobi froze, unable to move, 'but I remembered I have to feed my children.' He took cover in a greenhouse, then heard the announcement that the center was open and began to run. Avoiding thieves At the center, food boxes are stacked on the ground in an area surrounded by fences and earthen berms. Thousands rush in to grab what they can in a frantic melee. You have to move fast, Saqer said. Once supplies run out, some of those who came too late rob those leaving. He swiftly tore open a box and loaded the contents into a sack — juice, chickpeas, lentils, cheese, beans, flour and cooking oil. Then he took off running. There's only one route in and out of the center. But, knowing thieves waited outside, Saqer clambered over a berm, running the risk of being fired on by Israeli troops. 'It all depends on the soldiers' mood. If they are in a bad mood … they will shoot at me. If not, they will let me be,' he said. Heba Jouda said she saw a group of men beat up a boy of 12 or 13 years old and take his food as she left one of the Rafah centers. Another time, she said, thieves attacked an older man, who hugged his sack, weeping that his children had no food. They sliced his arm with a knife and ran off with the sack. The finish line Al-Hobi said he was trampled in the scramble for boxes. He managed to grab a bag of rice, a packet of macaroni. He snagged flour — but much of it was ruined in the chaos. At his family tent outside Khan Younis, his wife, Anwaar Saleh, said she will ration it all to make it last a week or so. 'We hope he doesn't have to go back. His life is the most important thing,' she said. 'No one will show you mercy these days. Everybody fends for themselves.'
