In a dramatic legal showdown, Karen Read, the Massachusetts woman at the center of a high-profile murder case, failed to convince the state’s Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) to dismiss two of the charges against her on double jeopardy grounds.

The ruling, delivered Tuesday, dealt a major blow to Read’s defense, which argued that multiple jurors had already voted to acquit her on key charges before a mistrial was declared. But the state’s highest court ruled unanimously that such post-trial disclosures carry no legal weight.

Deadlocked Jury, No Formal Acquittal

Read, who stands accused of running over her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, and leaving him to die in the snow, has maintained her innocence, claiming she was framed.

Her legal team pointed to statements from at least four jurors, who later revealed that they had unanimously voted to acquit her on the top murder charge and a lesser count. The jury deadlocked on a separate charge, leading to a mistrial.

However, Associate Justice Serge Georges Jr., writing for the court, rejected the argument, stating that only verdicts formally announced in open court determine an acquittal.

Judicial Caution Against Coerced Verdicts

Read’s defense also challenged Superior Court Judge Beverly J. Cannone’s refusal to recall the jury to verify if an acquittal had been reached on any counts.

But Justice Georges countered that Judge Cannone’s decision was correct, emphasizing the risk of coerced verdicts if jurors were pressed further after reporting an impasse.

No Grounds for Double Jeopardy Protection

The court dismantled Read’s double jeopardy claim, stressing that only publicly affirmed verdicts hold legal weight.

Since the jury never formally announced an acquittal, the court found no double jeopardy violation, clearing the way for Read’s retrial.

Trial Delayed, Appeal to Federal Court Possible

Read was initially set to face retrial in January, but the proceedings were postponed to April due to her appeal to the SJC.

Her attorney, Martin G. Weinberg, signaled that Read’s legal battle may now move to federal court.

A Case That Has Captivated the Nation

Read’s case has captivated local and national audiences, with supporters rallying outside the courthouse throughout her trial.

Prosecutors allege that Read intentionally struck O’Keefe with her SUV after a night of drinking, while her defense insists that O’Keefe was beaten inside a Canton, Massachusetts, home before being left outside in freezing temperatures.

With a retrial looming and potential federal intervention on the horizon, the legal battle surrounding Karen Read is far from over.