Prosecutors in the Karen Read case have defended the trial judge’s decision to declare a mistrial, stating that there was no viable alternative. Read, who is facing second-degree murder and other charges related to the death of her boyfriend, a Boston Police officer, sought to have the murder charge dismissed after the mistrial.
After a nine-week trial, Judge Beverly J. Cannone declared a mistrial due to a hung jury. Read’s attorneys argued that jurors were ready to acquit her on certain charges, but the prosecution stated that the jury did not reach a unanimous verdict on any charge.
Cannone denied Read’s motion to dismiss the charges, prompting her lawyers to appeal to the Supreme Judicial Court. The prosecution has now responded with a 53-page brief, arguing that the case should return to the Superior Court and that Cannone’s decision be upheld.
The brief highlights the lack of a unanimous verdict by the jury and argues that a mistrial was the only viable option in this situation. The prosecution asserts that Read was not acquitted of any charge and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the jury’s deliberations.
The ACLU has also filed a brief supporting Read’s arguments, adding to the complexity of the case. The appeal is ongoing, with both sides presenting strong arguments in this high-profile and contentious legal battle. The prosecution is determined to see the case through to a new trial, while Read’s legal team continues to fight for the dismissal of certain charges.
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