Karen Read, a Massachusetts woman accused of second-degree murder and other crimes for allegedly running over her police officer boyfriend, is set to return to court for a retrial next month. Her lawyers are trying to get the case thrown out, claiming she was a victim of government misconduct and that retrial amounts to double jeopardy.
During a nine-week trial last summer that ended with a mistrial, Read’s defense team alleged that the police sergeant and others were responsible for the death and conspired to frame her. Lawyers asked for all charges to be dismissed, citing altered or withheld security video that they claim shows a crucial piece of evidence – a broken tail light on Read’s SUV. Prosecutors had said the broken tail light contained the boyfriend’s DNA, but the defense argues the damage occurred after the vehicle was in police custody.
During recent hearings, defense attorneys argued for dismissal due to alleged misconduct and a “mistake” made by the judge after the mistrial. They claim two jurors said they would have acquitted Read, but the judge denied the request, saying no verdict was reached in open court. Lawyers also argued that jurors were not polled and had no chance to ensure fairness and impartiality.
Prosecutors rejected claims of tampering and argued against dismissing the charges. The judge overseeing the case said he would consider the arguments. Read’s retrial is set to begin on April 1.
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