All Episodes

June 16, 2025 40 mins
Karen Read Trial: Jury From & Closing Argument Breakdown
In this comprehensive episode, we break down the crucial jury instructions and analyze the dramatically different closing arguments presented in the Karen Read murder retrial. After 31 days of testimony from 50 witnesses, Judge Beverly Cannone spent over an hour instructing the jury on how to apply the law to the facts of this case that has captivated Massachusetts and beyond.

We examine the specific jury instructions given for each charge Karen Read faces: second-degree murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. The episode details how Judge Cannone explained the concept of reasonable doubt, the Commonwealth's burden of proof, and what elements must be proven for each charge. We discuss how the judge instructed jurors to consider evidence of intoxication, intent, and whether Read's actions directly caused John O'Keefe's death on that snowy January night in 2022.

The episode then provides a detailed comparison of the closing arguments. Defense attorney Alan Jackson's hour and twenty-six minute presentation began with him declaring three times "there was no collision" and painting a picture of police corruption and cover-up. In contrast, prosecutor Hank Brennan's closing repeatedly emphasized that Read was "drunk, she hit him, then she left him to die," focusing on physical evidence and Read's own statements at the scene.

We analyze the strategic decisions made by both sides, including Jackson's heavy focus on discredited investigator Michael Proctor versus Brennan's emphasis on cell phone data showing O'Keefe never entered the Albert home. The discussion covers how each attorney addressed the controversial evidence, from taillight pieces to dog bite theories, and how they framed Read's "I hit him" statements - as either confused questions or guilty admissions.

#KarenRead #JuryInstructions #ClosingArguments #JohnOKeefe #MurderTrial #CourtTV #JudgeCannone #AlanJackson #HankBrennan #JuryDeliberations #SecondDegreeMurder #Manslaughter #ReasonableDoubt #TrialAnalysis #LegalBreakdown #BostonPolice #CantonMA #BigBreakdown #VerdictWatch

Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? 

Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/
Tik-Tok
https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod
X Twitter
https://x.com/tonybpod

Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Cold Case Files: Miami

Cold Case Files: Miami

Joyce Sapp, 76; Bryan Herrera, 16; and Laurance Webb, 32—three Miami residents whose lives were stolen in brutal, unsolved homicides.  Cold Case Files: Miami follows award‑winning radio host and City of Miami Police reserve officer  Enrique Santos as he partners with the department’s Cold Case Homicide Unit, determined family members, and the advocates who spend their lives fighting for justice for the victims who can no longer fight for themselves.

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.