Defense, prosecution urge court to delay Karen Read's retrial

The defense and the prosecution in the made their arguments in front of a judge Wednesday for postponing her retrial until April.

The Massachusetts woman was accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O'Keefe, by hitting him with her SUV during a snowstorm in 2022. has argued she was framed.

Read's first trial ended in a hung jury, and Judge Beverly Cannone declared a mistrial.

Her retrial is scheduled to begin Jan. 27.

Both sides filed a joint motion to delay the retrial until April 1, arguing they need more time to prepare.

"I think the idea of a motion to continue in our joint request is in the interest not only of justice, but I think, inevitably, I truly believe it's going to have a more efficient and effective trial," Special Prosecutor Hank Brennan said.

Defense attorney David Yannetti shared similar sentiments.

"Not surprisingly, in a joint motion, I agree with the argument made by Mr. Brennan. You've heard that there will be new commonwealth experts. There are no reports yet. There have been no disclosures. No forensic testing has yet taken place," said Yannetti.

Cannone did not immediately rule on postponing the trial.

Two more hearings were set for Nov. 26 and Dec. 12. They will highlight evidence and the admissibility of expert testimony.