Jury selection to continue in Karen Read trial

DEDHAM, Mass. (WLNE) — The murder trial for Karen Read getting underway in Norfolk County Superior Courthouse this week, with four of twelve jurors selected for the highly anticipated trial.

Around ninety jurors were brought in as part of the selection process to make the jury for this trial.

Read is accused of killing Boston police officer John O’Keefe, her boyfriend at the time, by backing over him in her vehicle in January of 2022.

“People outside of this building have rights, and we know that they have voices, but this criminal trial will be decided by an independent jury free from outside interference based only upon the evidence presented in this courtroom and the law,” said judge Beverly Cannone.

“It is just that simple and that important. So while public comment will likely continue, the rule of law will be upheld.”

Read pled not guilty to all charges, including the second-degree murder charge.

Read’s defense is arguing that she is the victim of a coverup involving Massachusetts State Police and that O’Keefe was killed by someone else.

Jury selection will continue until 12 jurors are picked, and the actual trial is expected to take between six to eight weeks.