Legal analyst provides insight after Karen Read hearing suspension

DEDHAM, Mass. (WLNE) — Judge Beverly Cannone abruptly suspended a pre-trial hearing in the Karen Read murder case Tuesday and said she had “grave concern” over new information presented by prosecutors.

“This judge can’t do anything at all,” legal analyst Ken Schreiber said. “To prejudice any defendant, in this case Ms. Read’s, fundamental constitutional rights.”

Read is awaiting a second trial and was accused of hitting her then-boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, with her car and leaving him to die in the snow in 2022.

Her first trial ended in a mistrial when jurors deadlocked.

“The implications of this information my have profound effects on this defense and defense counsel,” Judge Cannone said.

Hank Brennan, the special counsel now prosecuting the case for the state, claimed witnesses in the case were paid by the defense.

According to Brennan, ARCCA sent a bill to Read’s defense for almost $24,000.

Defense Attorney Alan Jackson denied this.

“There is email correspondence between the defense,” Brennan said. “And not only federal government but the ARCCA witnesses themselves.”

Schreiber added the judge could disqualify Jackson as Read’s attorney.

“I think the judge is going to examine the law as to what the accusations are,” he said.. “Allow Alan Jackson to respond before the judge reaches a decision, a punishment or ruling.”

Read is set to appear in court on Feb. 25 to resume her pre-trial hearing.