Karen Read murder trial jurors indicate they are deadlocked

BOSTON — Jurors in the Karen Read murder trial sent a note shortly before noon today indicating they were deadlocked. Judge Beverly Cannone nonetheless sent them back to continue deliberations.

“Despite our exhaustive review of the evidence and our diligent consideration of all disputed evidence, we have been unable to reach a unanimous verdict,” the jury note read by Cannone in court stated. “Signed by your foreperson.”

Prosecutor Adam Lally responded first, saying that it is “far, far too early” for the jurors to give up on their deliberation.

“The jurors just received this case earlier this week,” he said. “Furthermore, the note doesn’t really indicate that they can’t come to a conclusion, it just indicates they can’t come to a conclusion at this time.”

Defense attorney David Yannetti said that he disagreed and that the note clearly indicated they had “exhausted” all avenues to come to a unanimous decision in the case. Further, he said, jurors have only had one question, on Wednesday, which for the report from the team that searched the area John O’Keefe’s body was found. That request was denied, with Cannone saying jurors already had all evidence available in the case.

“You all know it is within my discretion, I decide,” Cannone said before making her ruling. She said it was a long case with 74 witnesses and that jurors had deliberated for only days, and short days at that. “Very complex issues in this case … I am going to send them back out.”

Analysis

When jurors were brought back in moments later she gave them their assignment: “I would ask you to clear your heads and have lunch and continue your deliberations.”

Retired Massachusetts Superior Court Judge Jack Lu said it was an “Absolutely solid call by (the) judge.”

“The jury is likely physically and emotionally exhausted and facing a holiday weekend which could increase the agony and disruption of life for the jury,” he told the Herald moments after Cannone reached her decision. He said that following a verdict it is standard for a judge “to meet privately with the jury to validate their emotional stress. Very emotional process, being a juror, with a group of strangers.”

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