As the jury in the Karen Read murder trial remained deadlocked, concerns are arising about the possibility of a mistrial and what it would mean for the case. On Friday, the jury sent a note to Judge Beverly Cannone stating their inability to reach a unanimous verdict, despite conducting a comprehensive review of the evidence and considering all disputed facts. Cannone instructed them to continue deliberating, but legal experts predict a potential mistrial.

Legal expert, Phil Tracy, explained that there is no defined limit as to how many times the judge can send the jury back for further deliberation. However, with the impending July 4 holiday approaching next week, Tracy believes Judge Cannone may not want to extend the deliberation beyond Wednesday. If the jury fails to reach a unanimous decision by then, it will result in a hung jury, which Tracy views as a pyrrhic victory for the prosecution.

In the event of a mistrial, the state will have the option to retry Karen Read. Tracy anticipates that they will pursue another trial, though he acknowledges the inherent challenges involved. Finding impartial jurors who have not already formed their own opinions about the polarizing case will be a difficult task.

Tracy emphasized the importance of seeking justice for the victim's family, stating, "Somebody is dead and so you have to, for his family's sake, for his mother's sake, for his children's sake." However, Read's supporters, who have been anxiously waiting for the verdict outside the Dedham courthouse, expressed concerns over the possibility of a retrial.

One of Read's supporters, Paul Harvey, expressed worry that Read would have to live with the constant possibility of another trial for the rest of her life. He also questioned the necessity of having gone to trial in the first place.

As the weekend begins, both sides of the case are aware that the jury's final decision, or lack thereof, could have significant consequences. Should a mistrial be declared, the fate of the Karen Read murder trial remains uncertain, leaving all parties involved awaiting further developments.