Karen Read's Trial Ends in Mistrial, Defense Claims Jury Had Agreement to Acquit

The trial of Karen Read, the woman accused of killing Boston police officer John O'Keefe, ended in a mistrial last week after jurors declared they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict. However, Read's lawyers claim that the jury had actually reached an agreement to find her not guilty on two of the three charges she faced.

In a motion to dismiss the charges, Read's lawyers cited "unsolicited communications" from three jurors indicating that they had a "firm 12-0 agreement" that Read was not guilty of second-degree murder and leaving the scene of an accident. The motion also referenced a note from the jury to the judge stating that they were "deeply divided by fundamental differences" and unable to reach a consensus.

The judge declared a mistrial based on the jury's inability to reach a verdict. However, Read's lawyers argue that the jury's communications indicate that they had effectively reached a not guilty verdict on at least two charges, and that retrying Read would violate her constitutional right against double jeopardy.

Prosecutors have said they plan to seek a new trial. The case is ongoing.