ABC6 legal analyst weighs in on Sanchez, Read cases

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — ABC6 News legal analyst Ken Schreiber discussed recent developments in the Enrique Sanchez and Karen Read cases Wednesday.

Sanchez DUI charge dismissed

Prosecutors filed to dismiss the criminal driving under the influence charge against State Rep. Sanchez on March 31.

A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office said at the time that the move was common in first offense DUI cases when a defendant pleads guilty to refusing to take a breathalyzer test in municipal court.

Schreiber said in his professional experience, such a move is not uncommon, no matter who you are or what title you hold.

“In 99% of the cases, if you plead to the refusal and it’s your first time you’ve ever had this happen to you, and you’re charged with a DUI, which is criminal, the prosecutor will dismiss the criminal case in exchange for a plea on the civil case,” Schreiber said.

Karen Read leaves Norfolk County Superior Court after the first day of jury selection for her trial on Monday, April 1, 2025 (WLNE).

Karen Read jury selection

Wednesday marked the second day of jury selection for the second Karen Read murder trial.

A large pool of potential jurors filled out questionnaires about the case.

Schreiber said early reports indicate around 70% of potential jurors knew about the case beforehand, but that doesn’t necessarily disqualify them from serving.

“The goal has to be to get 12 people that can serve on this jury fairly and impartially,” Schreiber said. “That’s always the goal.”

The defense faced some recent setbacks, with pre-trial rulings limiting its ability to blame potential third-party culprits for the murder of former Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe.

Despite that, Schreiber said the recent firing of Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor, who served as the lead investigator on the case, bolstered the defense’s case.

“They’ve got a new card to play,” Schreiber said. “He no longer works for the State Police — and why? Because of comments he’s made regarding this case. I’m not sure what kind of restrictions the court may put on his testimony, but that does not bode well for the prosecution.”

Schreiber said he believed the defense will call Proctor as a witness even if the prosecution does not.