Karen Read Part 5 If At First You Don’t Convict, Trial, Trial Again Moms, Murders & Mysteries S1 E5

S1 E5 Moms Murders & Mysteries – If At First You Don’t Convict, Trial, Trial Again.

The finale of MMM’s first case covering new ground never before reported on the attempt to frame Karen Read for John O’Keefe’s murder.

Karen Read FIRST Trial April 29, 2024 – July 1, 2024

• Took 5 days to seat jurors.
• Juror issues – the verdict slip was a potential source of confusion to the jury, particularly regarding the drunken driving manslaughter charge. They also didn’t understand they could be hung on some of the charges and not on others. They thought they had to be unanimous on all charges. They deliberated for 5 days and trial ended in hung jury.

Prosecution’s Case 

• The prosecution alleged that Karen Read intentionally struck John O’Keefe with her car, killing him, following a night of drinking.
• Evidence presented included pieces of a broken taillight from Read’s SUV, which contained O’Keefe’s DNA.

Defense’s Case

• The defense argued that O’Keefe went inside the home of Brian Albert and was injured there before being found dead outside. 
• Key points of contention included the handling of the crime scene by police and the validity of the forensic evidence, such as the alleged damage to Read’s vehicle. 
• The defense also suggested a cover-up attempt by those involved. 

Key Developments & Verdict

• The trial lasted more than 30 days, with significant testimony, including from witnesses who provided conflicting accounts of the night. 
• The first trial concluded in July 2024 with the jury declaring themselves deadlocked after four days of deliberation, leading to a mistrial on all charges. 
• Some jurors later reported that they had been in agreement on the second-degree murder and leaving the scene charges, but could not reach a consensus on the manslaughter charge.

Karen Read SECOND Trial April 1, 2025 – June 18, 2025

• Took 10 days to seat 18 jurors. 600 people showed up to be interviewed and 18 were chosen so only 3% made it to the jury.
• Read was acquitted of murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene — convicted only of operating under the influence, resulting in one year of probation.

• • The cost and political fallout: Special prosecutor Brennan billed over $550K; the DA spent an estimated $1M on the retrial.