The jury selection process in the Karen Read murder trial remains incomplete after three days and the case will not return to court on Friday.
Two additional jurors were appointed Thursday, but one seated Wednesday was excused due to hardship, leaving the current number of jurors at twelve. Four alternates still need to take their seats before testimony can begin.
List of questions asked of prospective jurors
Of the 57 potential jurors in Thursday’s pool, 41 of them told the judge they had heard or spoken about the case, 20 said they had formed an opinion, and eight admitted to bias. Ultimately, only two were selected for the trial.
Also on Thursday, DNA analysis from Bode Labs in Virginia was introduced by the prosecution, Boston 25’s Ted Daniel reported.
“A sample of hair found on the back of Read’s Lexus SUV was sent to the laboratory to see if it matched John O’Keefe’s DNA. The defense has tried to rule out the results, citing a delay in testing. We haven’t seen the lab report yet,” Daniel wrote in a post on X.
Read is accused of running over O’Keefe, her Boston police officer boyfriend, and leaving him behind on Jan. 29, 2022, during a snowstorm in the city of Canton.
Karen Read murder case: a guide to the key players you need to know
Read’s defense has argued that she was framed and that O’Keefe was beaten and attacked by a dog at the home of another Boston police officer.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 jurors were chosen from approximately 180 people.
Jurors filled out a 29-question form asking if they have ever been involved in a march or demonstration showing support for law enforcement or demonstrations against law enforcement.
The prosecution plans to call as many as 87 witnesses when testimony begins, including 23 members of law enforcement agencies.
Karen Read murder case: List of more than 160 witnesses prosecution, defense could call
The defense has submitted 77 potential witnesses, including John O’Keefe’s father and Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey.
One potential juror, Tony Pardo, was excused Wednesday afternoon.
He said he had not heard of the case before, but was glad he was not part of the trial.
“Well, it’s a big deal, you know, and I thought I’d be here a while. It’s probably going to be a long process,” Pardo said. He continued, “I kind of got the feeling that most people didn’t. Probably about half the people raised their hands when they talked about having a hot ship or something like that.”
The trial will resume on Monday morning.
Boston 25’s Ted Daniel provided the following court updates on Thursday:
That’s it for today. I have 2 more today but the total is now 12 because someone who sat yesterday was excused for hardship.
Tomorrow is free, so we continue on Monday. We will summarize everything #Boston25— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnieuws) April 18, 2024
The clerk has just indicated that there are now twelve jurors. That would mean they’ve added 1 more so far today.
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnieuws) April 18, 2024
The DNA analysis from Bode Labs in VA was introduced by the prosecutor. A sample of hair found on the back of Read’s Lexus SUV was sent to the lab to see if it matched John O’Keefe’s DNA. The defense has tried to rule out the results, citing a delay in testing. We…
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnieuws) April 18, 2024
And this is the third group so far.
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnieuws) April 18, 2024
Judge Cannone explains the case and charges to the new jury candidates. Court rules prohibit the pool camera from recording/showing this.
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnieuws) April 18, 2024
“Problem” quickly discussed in the sidebar. Both parties return to their seats. The jury pool comes in.
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnieuws) April 18, 2024
The judge says she has an issue that both parties need to talk about in the sidebar.
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnieuws) April 18, 2024
We are on our way. Good morning all.
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnieuws) April 18, 2024
It is expected that 57 jury candidates will be screened today. It is a smaller group than the past 2 days. Prosecutor and defense are seated. We’re waiting for court to start.
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnieuws) April 18, 2024
Karen Read has arrived at Norfolk Superior Court for Day 3 of jury selection.
The trial will have 16 jurors.
5 more are needed.
Day 1: 4 judges chosen
Day 2: 7 judges chosen
About 180 people have signed up as potential jurors over the past two days. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/wxbC1PHurN— Ryan Breslin (@ryanjbreslin) April 18, 2024
It’s day 3 of jury selection in the Karen Read case.
A fellow reporter came in with a seat cushion.
I went straight to Amazon. Mine is on its way.
This pew won’t be the end of me.
Dominus Vobiscum pic.twitter.com/DnoLIzeSOZ— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnieuws) April 18, 2024
Download the FREE Boston 25 News App for the latest news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Tweet. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
