DEDHAM, Mass. — Eleven of 12 deliberating jurors are in place as the murder trial of Karen Read wrapped up its second day of the jury selection process at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham on Wednesday. Four additional alternate jurors need to be selected.
The high-profile case went to trial Tuesday and the court started sifting through a pool of about 90 potential jurors. The vast majority of them raised their hands when asked if they had heard of the case.
Guidelines for selecting jurors factor in whether bias or a previously formed opinion of the case exists.
Another group of about 100 new potential jurors were ushered into court on Wednesday to begin the process again. One spot remains to be picked, as well as four alternates.
Live Wednesday (4/17/24) court updates from Boston 25′s Ted Daniel:
Day 2 of Jury selection for the Karen Read trial is over.
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) April 17, 2024
We’re told 7 more selected today for a total of 11.
They need 16 to start.
Jury Questionnaire in the Karen Read case. pic.twitter.com/Wj6zQZgdw4
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) April 17, 2024
Karen Read has some of the jury questionnaires in front of her and is marking them up with an orange highlighter. Her defense did not hire outside jury consultants. Defense using its combined experience to select.
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) April 17, 2024
For those wondering about the stream. Here's what I've been told:
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) April 17, 2024
"Point 8 in the media order states that only the first day of impanelment when the case is called and jury instructed is allowed to be recorded."
12 people indicate they've already formed a bias in this case.
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) April 17, 2024
Roughly 25 ppl raise their hand when asked if they've formed an opinion of the case.
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) April 17, 2024
3 people have had interactions with witnesses, more than half indicate they've heard or talked about the case. That is not an immediate disqualifier b/c the case is so high profile
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) April 17, 2024
This is a rinse repeat of yesterday. Judge explaining case and the selection process to a new group of about 100 jury candidates.
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) April 17, 2024
It appears the issues Yannetti alluded to will not be discussed in open court. There was a lengthy discussion at sidebar. When that ended Judge Cannone called for the jury candidates. they are walking in now
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) April 17, 2024
We're back. Judge asking to see both sides at side bar. She says she "doesn't have any motions in front of her"
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) April 17, 2024
It appears defense wants to raise something and that's being discussed privately now
We are underway. Yannetti asks to speak at podium. He says there are issues including a "serious" one he needs to raise, Judge calls for recess to discuss with both sides before going on the record
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) April 17, 2024
Back in my church pew for 2 day of Jury selection in the Commonwealth vs. Karen Read.
— Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) April 17, 2024
-We are expected to hear some motions before jury selection resumes. There are a couple outstanding items from Friday's hearing according to clerk
-4 jurors selected yesterday. 16 are needed…
Before jury selection began, Judge Beverly Cannone said she wouldn’t exclude Read’s attorneys from using a third-party culprit defense during the trial as long as it’s “developed” through witness statements and evidence. That third-party defense won’t be allowed during initial statements.
Cannone also announced lengthy witness lists for both the prosecution and defense that include more than 160 combined names.
Read is charged with running down John O’Keefe, her Boston police officer boyfriend, and leaving him to die in a blizzard in the town of Canton on Jan. 29, 2022.
Read’s defense has argued that she is being framed and that O’Keefe was beaten and attacked by a dog inside the home of another Boston police officer.
Criminal defense attorney Peter Elikann told Boston 25 News that finding an impartial jury could be a challenge.
“We won’t find jurors that never heard of this case perhaps, but hopefully we will find jurors that have an open mind and that’s the bottom line, we need jurors with an open mind,” Elikann explained.
The trial is expected to last between 6 and 7 weeks.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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