Waiting for Karen Read’s verdict? Here’s what the jury must consider

DEDHAM – The murder trial of Karen Read is now in its final stages, ten weeks after jury selection began in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts.

WBZ-TV’s Kristina Rex covered the trial for CBS News Boston. She said there was an “air of anticipation” at the courthouse now that jurors deliberate. The jury made up of six women and six men obtained the case Tuesday afternoon.

“I rarely noticed them looking at Karen Read,” Rex said of jury observation during the trial. “They were looking at the witnesses. They were looking at the lawyers. It could be based on where she is (in the courtroom). It’s really interesting.”

In the indictment, Read is charged with second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of bodily injury or death.

The least included offenses

The jury can also take “minor infractions” into account in its deliberations.

“For example, if involuntary manslaughter while OUI includes an element of intent or intentional commission of that crime, they might instead consider a ‘recklessly’ charge. If they don’t have enough for that, they might consider a charge of “negligent vehicular homicide,” which would almost drop him down the DUI ranks. Jurors have the option of finding the highest charge. beyond reasonable doubtthey might consider lower fees,” Rex said.

With all of these charges, for the prosecution to get a conviction, the jury must believe that Karen Read hit John O’Keefe with her SUV, whether she meant it or not.

“There is no charge that they can convict her of without believing that this car accident happened,” Rex said.

Karen Read the verdict results

If Read is convicted of any of the charges, here is the estimated prison time for each.

The second-degree murder charge would carry a possible life sentence.

If the jury finds her guilty of manslaughter, she faces five to 20 years in prison.

If they find her guilty of leaving the scene, that charge carries a prison sentence of six months to two years.

Karen Read’s jury takes its time

“Many people, especially people who are out here supporting Karen Read, this might be the first murder trial they’ve been following. They think, “The reasonable doubt is so overwhelming that she should be acquitted within 30 minutes.” Even if that’s true, that’s not how it works,” Rex said.

“The judge asked these jurors to consider all the evidence, more than 650 exhibits presented to them. They listened carefully for nine weeks. I don’t think they will make a rash decision here.” asked them to take the time to talk about it. I just don’t think people should read too much into it while taking their time to deliberate. “

“Free Karen Read” Community

Nearly 400 “Free Karen Read” supporters from across the country were camped in front of the courthouse this week. The crowd grew as the trial got closer to jury deliberations.

“I think they’re part of something,” Rex said. “Let them become a community. »

“At this point, it story of a cover-up, it is very widespread. Not in this courtroom. Out from this courtroom. This is the narrative that is captured on social media, and a lot of times, as a result, the victim can sometimes be sort of forgotten in all of this. »