Read maintains her innocence, claiming she is being framed as part of a cover-up involving law enforcement.

Read expressed confidence in the jury selection process and is eager to begin the trial, stating she is ready to face the allegations against her.

The jury selection for Karen Read's second murder trial, accused of killing Boston cop John O'Keefe, concluded on April 15, 2025, with 12 jurors and six alternates empaneled.

Her first trial ended in a mistrial on July 1, 2024, after the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict.

A key element of the defense's strategy involves questioning the integrity of the investigation, including allegations of witness intimidation and mishandling of evidence.

Read's legal team is actively fighting to have the case dismissed, while a federal investigation into police conduct concluded without charges against law enforcement.

The prosecution and defense teams have seen new additions, with Hank Brennan as the lead prosecutor and the defense adding attorneys Robert Alessi and Victoria George.

Judge Beverly Cannone has indicated that the trial could last up to eight weeks, contributing to the challenges in seating an impartial jury.

The case has attracted significant national attention, fueled by allegations of corruption and Read's media appearances, including a documentary titled 'A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read.'

During jury selection, a significant number of potential jurors had prior knowledge of the case, complicating the selection process.

Prosecutors plan to introduce statements made by Read in media interviews during the trial, including a transcript from a documentary series.

The defense argues that Read's constitutional rights under the double jeopardy clause are being violated due to alleged juror misconduct from her previous trial.