[ad_1]
A mistrial was declared in the murder trial of Karen Read, who was accused of killing her police officer boyfriend in 2022. After five days of deliberation and a nine-week trial, the jury remained deadlocked. Prosecutors argued that Read intentionally backed her SUV into her boyfriend, causing his death. Read faced charges of second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a collision causing death.
Defense lawyers claimed that law enforcement officers framed Read to cover up a beating that her boyfriend had allegedly suffered at a gathering. They accused the lead investigator, Trooper Michael Proctor, of manipulating evidence and failing to properly investigate the case. Prosecutors dismissed these claims as speculation and presented evidence indicating that Read knowingly hit her boyfriend with her vehicle.
The defense presented an alternative theory, suggesting that an ATF agent with a flirtatious relationship with Read could have been involved in the boyfriend’s death. However, testimony from the agent contradicted this theory. A forensic engineer testified that the boyfriend’s injuries may not have been consistent with being struck by a vehicle traveling at a high speed, casting doubt on the prosecution’s narrative.
The mistrial was declared after jurors reported being unable to reach a unanimous decision. A status hearing was scheduled for later in the month to determine the next steps in the case.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
