Jury selection underway for Karen Read’s second trial

DEDHAM, Mass. (WLNE) — Tuesday marked the start of jury selection for Karen Read’s second murder trial.

More than 200 potential jurors were summoned for the case, and were required to answer juror questionnaires.

Judge Beverly Cannone also spoke to them Tuesday morning, asking whether the jurors had any connection to witnesses in the case.

With much of the first trial airing live on Court TV and gaining national attention, potential jurors had to answer if they had formed any opinions on the case.

Read is accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, after a night of drinking in December 2022.

Prosecutors said the Mansfield native hit O’Keefe with her car in Canton, then left him to die in the cold.

The defense plans to argue that someone entirely different may have killed O’Keefe, claiming Read was framed by police.

Some Read supporters gathered outside the courthouse Tuesday.

“It really is kind of a travesty of justice that goes well beyond Norfolk County,” Connecticut resident Jason Broyles said. “I think just people need to stand up and make sure that not only does she feel supported, but the government knows that we’re coming out here.”

Jury selection is underway, but it could be days until a group is picked from the pool.

If necessary, another group could be summoned next week.