Local

Live updates: 19 jurors in place for Karen Read murder trial

By Ryan Breslin, Boston 25 News
By Ryan Breslin, Boston 25 News

DEDHAM, Mass. — BREAKING UPDATE: Jury seated in murder trial of Karen Read, woman accused in death of Boston police officer boyfriend

PREVIOUS STORY:

Jury selection in the high-profile Karen Read murder trial resumed Wednesday morning at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham as supporters of the 44-year-old Mansfield woman continue to push back against a buffer zone that’s in place outside.

Karen Read murder trial: A guide to the key players you need to know

Judge Beverly Cannone is now seeking a jury of 20 people. The initial plan was to choose 16 jurors. Cannone bumped that initial number to 20 because she wanted extra people at the ready after some of the selected jurors expressed hardships.

There are currently 19 seated jurors with one more needed. Then the plan is to bring that group of 20 down to 12 jurors and four alternates.

As Read made her way into court for the day’s proceedings, a heckler approached her and repeatedly yelled, “How does it feel to be known as a cop killer, Karen?”

Video captured by Boston 25′s Ryan Breslin showed multiple people stepping in the path of the heckler as Read passed by him.

Karen Read repeatedly called ‘cop killer’ on way into court as jury selection resumes

Live court updates from the Boston 25 News team:

Karen Read murder trial: List of questions prospective jurors are being asked

Read is charged with running down O’Keefe, her Boston police officer boyfriend, and leaving him to die in a blizzard in the town of Canton on Jan. 29, 2022. She has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a collision in connection with O’Keefe’s death.

Read’s defense has argued that she is being framed and that O’Keefe was beaten and attacked by a dog inside the home of another Boston police officer.

Karen Read

People have been rallying in support of Read outside of a buffer zone set up by the court, which they have been fighting. Most recently, the state Supreme Court ruled the buffer zone can remain, to keep people with signs 200 feet away from the courthouse.

Karen Read murder trial: List of more than 160 witnesses prosecution, defense could call

In a 74-page brief, the petitioners are appealing that ruling. They claim the buffer zone is a violation of their First Amendment right to freedom of speech.

The state would need to file its brief on the buffer zone matter by Wednesday.

If jury selection is completed on Wednesday, opening statements are expected in the murder trial on Monday.

Image 1 of 53

Fatal hit-and-run: Karen Read, 41, of Mansfield, Mass., is charged with manslaughter in the Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, death of Boston police Officer John O’Keefe. O'Keefe, 46, was off duty at the time of his death. (Boston 25 News, Boston Police Department)

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2024 Cox Media Group

Most Read