Killing of John O'Keefe

Read's first trial started on April 16, 2024, with the jury selection, which was completed on April 24. Prosecutors previously asked the Judge to block Read's lawyers from arguing that others are to blame for O'Keefe's death, also known as third-party culprit defense. The judge instead offered the defense a chance to develop their argument through "relevant, competent, admissible evidence", but still barred them from using the third-party culprit defense during opening statements.

On April 28, the prosecutors and the defense presented opening statements. Prosecutors outlined circumstantial evidence that pointed to Read's guilt, while the defense told jurors that Read is being framed and that O'Keefe was beaten and attacked by a dog inside the home of another Boston police officer.

Commonwealth rested the case on June 21, 2024, after eight weeks of testimony from 68 witnesses. Defense completed its list of witnesses and rested the case on June 24. Closing arguments were delivered on June 25 and jury deliberation started on the same day.

On July 1, after 25 hours of deliberation, the jury was unable to come to a unanimous decision. Judge Cannone declared a mistrial.

Read's second trial is scheduled for April 1, 2025. Hank Brennan, Whitey Bulger's former defense lawyer, will lead the prosecution. Provided by Wikipedia