Over 2,000 jurors may be needed for trial
More than 2,000 residents from Norfolk County may be called to participate in Karen Read's second murder trial. This is due to an "extraordinary amount of publicity" surrounding the case. Jury selection begins on April 1 at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham. Each day, 275 potential jurors will be summoned at first. If it takes longer than expected to select a jury, the number will drop to 243 per day. Potential jurors have been notified in advance, as the Jury Commissioner issues summonses months ahead of time. During the first trial, selecting a jury took five days. Read is charged with hitting her boyfriend, John O'Keefe, with her car and leaving him during a snowstorm. The defense claims O'Keefe was murdered by others and that Read was framed. Read has pleaded not guilty. The court aims to ensure a fair process by asking potential jurors extra questions about pretrial publicity. This request was approved by the judge. Many potential jurors from the first trial acknowledged they had heard about the case, and some stated they had formed opinions about it. The case has attracted significant media attention, featuring on television specials and in magazines. Judge Beverly Cannone noted that the level of publicity is unprecedented and justifies the need for a special questionnaire to help with jury selection.