Karen Read found not guilty by jurors in murder case

In a high-profile court case that ended in a mistrial, Karen Read, dubbed 'America's happiest murder defendant', may face a retrial for the death of John O'Keefe in January 2022. Read's lawyers argue against a retrial citing double jeopardy, claiming the judge failed to inform the defense of a unanimous verdict on two charges before declaring a mistrial. The jury was split on the charge of manslaughter due to questions about Read's intent, leaving the possibility of a retrial on the charge of vehicular manslaughter. The incident occurred after a night of drinking with friends, where O'Keefe's body was found outside a friend's home. Read claimed attendees at the afterparty beat O'Keefe to death, while vehicle data showed she reversed her SUV near the scene. The defense argued that Read broke a taillight in panic to find O'Keefe. Witnesses gave conflicting testimonies, with first responders alleging Read confessed to hitting O'Keefe, a claim disputed by her attorneys. During the trial, jurors acquitted Read of murder and leaving the scene of an accident but were deadlocked on the manslaughter charge, leading to a mistrial declaration. The defense seeks to dismiss the charges based on juror revelations and potential double jeopardy concerns. The case took a turn when lead investigator Michael Proctor faced backlash for sending offensive texts about Read, leading to his removal from duty pending an internal affairs investigation. As the legal battle continues, the fate of Karen Read remains uncertain, with the possibility of a retrial looming over the unresolved manslaughter charge. The case has sparked controversy and raised questions about the handling of evidence and the conduct of law enforcement officials involved in the investigation. The outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings will determine the next steps in seeking justice for the death of John O'Keefe and the implications for Karen Read's future.