Karen Read murder case: Federal appeal denied, retrial to proceed

BOSTON -- Karen Read's federal appeal has been denied, allowing her state retrial to move forward with all three charges, including murder, still in place. Judge Lara E. Montecalvo confirmed the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit's decision, stating that Read's request to stay the state court proceedings pending appeal is now moot.

The 22-page decision marks another setback for Read's defense team in their ongoing efforts to dismiss the case or delay the retrial, which is set to commence Tuesday at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham. The 45-year-old Mansfield resident faces serious charges, including second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle under the influence, and leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in death.

Read is accused of killing Boston police Officer John O'Keefe, her boyfriend for two years, on January 29, 2022. A previous trial concluded in a mistrial last year, which the defense claims was fueled by jurors expressing confusion about their ability to deliver a partial verdict. They assert that several jurors indicated they were prepared to acquit on two charges yet felt constrained by the court's instructions.

The defense's argument was first rejected by trial judge Beverly J. Cannone and later upheld by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Following this, Read's team brought their case to the federal district court in Boston, arguing for a habeas corpus to prevent further prosecution based on double jeopardy claims. However, U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV dismissed this argument.

The 1st Circuit's recent ruling upholds this denial, leaving Read to face her retrial with all charges intact, as the judicial process continues to unfold.