Juror Changes Mind, Acquits Karen Read of Murder

A juror involved in the high-profile trial of Karen Read has revealed that she initially leaned toward a guilty verdict but changed her opinion after reviewing the evidence, ultimately voting for her acquittal on charges of murder and manslaughter.

Janet Jimenez, who was juror No. 12, entered the deliberation without prior knowledge of the case, which involved accusations that Read hit her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, with her vehicle, causing his death in a snowbank outside a house party in January 2022.

“I felt it was right to be selected because I didn’t know anything about the case,” Jimenez shared. “I was open-minded but after over 200 pieces of evidence, I found enough doubt to question the prosecution’s narrative.”

She described the trial as being conducted with her virtually right there in the courtroom alongside the defense team. “I believe there was a lot left unresolved,” she said, emphasizing her careful review of the evidence and her comfort with her final decision.

Janet Jimenez, juror, speaking in TV interview. — Jimenez expressed confidence in her verdict after thorough review of the evidence.

Read was ultimately found not guilty after a second trial; she previously received a one-year probation for drunk driving following a mistrial last year.

Jimenez, along with at least one other juror, explained that she was initially inclined toward guilt but was swayed by gaps in the investigation and the lack of direct evidence linking her to the scene where O’Keefe died. “There were things we saw and heard that left room for doubt,” she stated.

Additional jurors also voiced their perspectives. Juror Paula Prado mentioned that while she believed O’Keefe was possibly struck by Read’s SUV, she didn’t think the injuries were consistent with that scenario. Another juror, Jason, said that reasonable doubt was central in his decision and that he believed the key witness’s account lacked credibility.

Karen Read in court. — Karen Read was cleared of the charges after her second trial, with jurors citing reasonable doubt as the basis for their verdict.

Some witnesses and members of the public criticized the verdict, calling it a “devastating miscarriage of justice.” Meanwhile, district attorney Michael Morrissey acknowledged the jury’s decision by stating, “The jury has spoken.”