Judge Beverly Cannone has declared a mistrial in the high-profile and contentious Karen Read murder trial after a deadlocked jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict. The trial sought to determine whether Read deliberately and intoxicatedly backed her SUV into her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, on a snowy night in Canton two years ago. Read's defense attorneys had alleged a cover-up and claimed their client was framed.

Despite multiple notes from the jury indicating their inability to reach a consensus, Judge Cannone made a last-ditch effort to break the deadlock by using the "dynamite charge," but it was unsuccessful. Since a unanimous jury is required for any conviction or acquittal, the mistrial declaration now allows the prosecutors to retry the case.

The jury faced difficulties in reaching a consensus due to the controversial evidence presented in Read's case and the extensive coverage of the trial on social media, national news outlets, and the blogosphere. The first sign of trouble emerged when the jurors sent a note on Friday, confessing their inability to reach a unanimous decision despite exhaustive review and diligent consideration of the evidence. On Monday, the jury reiterated their impasse, stating that they were deeply divided by fundamental differences in opinions and state of mind, making consensus unattainable.

Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally argued that the jury had not completed their due and thorough deliberations, highlighting the extensive testimony, exhibits, and witnesses involved in the trial. On the other hand, defense attorney David Yannetti emphasized the jurors' language regarding "fundamental" disagreements and requested the reading of the Tuey-Rodriguez charge, which is commonly used for deadlocked juries.

Ultimately, Judge Cannone sided with the defense and decided to read the Tuey-Rodriguez charge. She commended the jury, expressing her astonishment at their admission of being at an impasse. The Tuey-Rodriguez charge reminds jurors that there is no guarantee that another jury would be better suited to decide the case, and it is their duty to reach a conscientious decision if possible.

The stakes were high in the Karen Read murder trial, with a potential life sentence if convicted of second-degree murder. Additionally, Read faced charges of manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle under the influence and leaving the scene of a fatal accident, carrying potential sentences of five to 20 years and up to 10 years in prison, respectively.

With the mistrial declared, prosecutors now have the opportunity to retry the case. It remains to be seen how the retrial will unfold and if a unanimous verdict can be reached in this highly controversial and closely watched trial.