Emotions run high on Day 2 of jury deliberations in Karen Read murder trial

DEDHAM, MA – Emotions were on full display on the second day of jury deliberations in the Karen Read murder trial as the defense team argued for changes in the verdict slip presented to jurors.

The form did not include an option for jurors to check “not guilty” for the lesser charges of involuntary manslaughter or motor vehicle homicide.

Judge Cannone disagreed with defense team member David Yannetii, who is a Massachusetts based attorney, when he said he had not seen other slips organized in this way.

Cannone then directed a harsh scolding to Read who seemed to disagree with the decision by Cannone to not change the form.

“Excuse me? This is funny, Ms. Read?” she asked and then said that the session was done.

Both the Commonwealth and defense teams were called back to the court again where Cannone offered what she said was a “supplemental instruction” to the form. Along with further clarification to jurors, an amendment to the form to say “Not guilty of the offense charged or any lesser included offenses” will be added.

Speaking with members of Karen Read’s family this morning, they insisted that the original verdict form was “directing jurors” and that if a guilty verdict came back, it would be an immediate appeal.

Jurors are on their second day of deliberations in the murder trial of Read, who has been accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe in January of 2022.

Prior to closing arguments that took place yesterday, a juror was dismissed, lessening the group of jurors down to 14. After closing arguments, the court clerk selected two jurors by lottery who were made alternates. All three jurors, including the dismissed juror and the two deemed alternates, were female. With that, a foreman was picked by the judge and the six male, and six female jurors went to lunch and began their deliberations.

They ended the day yesterday shortly after 4 PM, stating they needed more time and wanted to come back for a second day.

This story will be updated.