DEDHAM, Mass. (WJAR) — The final two jurors were picked Tuesday in Karen Read’s second murder trial.
The Bristol County woman is accused of backing into Boston police officer John O’Keefe with her SUV during a snowstorm in 2022.
“I am pleased. We’re loaded for bear, we’re ready to get this show on the road, and we’re happy with the whole process,” Read told reporters outside Norfolk Superior Court.
Eighteen jurors have been seated after 10 days of jury selection in Dedham. Nine men and nine women will be sworn in.
“I think they were truthful and they were questioned thoroughly, so I have confidence in them,” Read said.
About 600 prospective jurors came to the courthouse over the past three weeks.
With Good Friday coming up and Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts on Monday, opening statements are set for April 22.
The commonwealth said it plans on using recorded statements from Read.
“Before they just get up there and play that for the jury, they want to make sure they clear it by the judge because the last thing we want after empaneling this jury is a mistrial right off the bat,” said Austin Dana, an attorney with Keches Law Group. “They are getting a ruling from the court.”
The defendant has done a number of interviews as the murder case has garnered national attention.
“I would not have said anything that I wouldn’t say again,” Read said.
“We have Hank Brennan coming in here. He’s a well-seasoned trial attorney, and he’s going to put on a very strong case,” Dana said. “Last time, they didn’t have these statements. They didn’t have videos of Karen Reed going out into the media and making statements, which presumably hurt her otherwise they wouldn’t want to use them. So, they’re putting a strong foot forward, and they’re going use these statements for all they’re worth.”
A hearing will be held Wednesday to discuss all outstanding motions in the case.
NBC 10 will provide complete streaming coverage of the trial on turnto10.com, the NBC 10 WJAR YouTube channel and the NBC 10 Facebook page.
