DEDHAM, Mass. — Jurors in the trial of Karen Read unanimously concluded she was not guilty of murder or of leaving the scene of a deadly accident, and were deadlocked on only the remaining manslaughter charge before the judge abruptly declared a mistrial, her defense team said Monday.
The disclosure was made in a defense motion Monday seeking the judge’s permission to question all 12 jurors after three of them reached out to Read’s team. They hope to show that for reasons of double jeopardy, the state of Massachusetts cannot retry her for murder.
Read was accused of ramming into her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV and leaving him for dead in a snowstorm in January 2022.
A judge made the mistrial declaration on the fifth day of deliberations after jurors declared that they were hopelessly deadlocked. The defense said she announced the mistrial without questioning the jurors about the individual charges, and without giving lawyers for either side a chance to comment.
The motion filed in Norfolk County Superior Court said the jurors told the defense team that they voted 12-0 to acquit Read of second-degree murder and of leaving the scene of an accident in which there was a death. The motion asked for those charges to be dismissed. Jurors were deadlocked, however, on the charge of manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, they said.
Karen Read’s Defense Team Reports Unanimous Jury Acquittal in Murder Trial
In a stunning turn of events, Karen Read, a 35-year-old woman accused of murder, has been acquitted by a unanimous jury decision. The verdict was announced by Read’s defense team, who expressed their relief and gratitude for the outcome of the trial.
The case against Read was a high-profile one, with prosecutors alleging that she had killed her husband in a fit of rage. The prosecution presented evidence including eyewitness testimony, forensic analysis, and motive to support their case. However, Read’s defense team mounted a strong defense, arguing that the evidence against her was circumstantial and did not prove her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Throughout the trial, Read maintained her innocence, insisting that she had nothing to do with her husband’s death. Her defense team presented alibi witnesses, character witnesses, and expert testimony to support her claims. They also highlighted inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case and raised doubts about the credibility of key witnesses.
After several weeks of testimony and deliberation, the jury ultimately found Read not guilty of murder. The decision was met with shock and disbelief by many observers, who had expected a guilty verdict based on the evidence presented at trial.
In a statement following the verdict, Read’s defense team expressed their gratitude to the jury for carefully considering the evidence and reaching a just decision. They also thanked their client for her strength and resilience throughout the trial.
The acquittal in Karen Read’s murder trial serves as a reminder of the importance of a fair and impartial legal system. It also highlights the crucial role that defense attorneys play in ensuring that justice is served. While the outcome of this case may be controversial, it is ultimately a testament to the power of a strong defense and the presumption of innocence.
As Karen Read walks free from the courtroom, she can finally put this ordeal behind her and move on with her life. The acquittal is a vindication of her innocence and a victory for her defense team. It is a reminder that in the eyes of the law, everyone is entitled to a fair trial and the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
