Prosecutors accuse Read of fatally striking O'Keefe with her SUV during a snowstorm and leaving him outside a colleague's home. The autopsy later revealed that he died from a combination of hypothermia and blunt force trauma.

Background Of The Legal Saga

After the incident, Read faced several charges including second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

In July, the trial took a twist when the court declared a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury. Later, officials disclosed that the jury unanimously did not find Read guilty of second-degree murder and leaving the scene. Read’s retrial is now scheduled for January 27, which affects the timing of her deposition in the wrongful death lawsuit.

Debate Over Deposition and Trial Delays

Read's attorneys recently filed a motion to postpone her deposition in the wrongful death lawsuit, expressing concerns over her Fifth Amendment rights. The court granted this motion, delaying any deposition until after the criminal trial concludes.

The lawsuit also implicates several bars that served alcohol to Read on the night in question, accusing them of negligence.

Further complicating the case is the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's decision to hear oral arguments next week concerning Read's appeal to dismiss two of the charges against her.

Controversy Surrounds Officer O'Keefe's Death

Amidst the legal entanglements, Paul O'Keefe and other relatives of the deceased officer, who are plaintiffs in the lawsuit, have opposed the delay in the trial, highlighting their ongoing grief and quest for justice.

Read’s defense team argues that Read's vehicle did not kill O’Keefe but that he was instead killed inside the home where he was found, suggesting that someone framed Read.

This assertion introduces a complex twist to the already convoluted case, adding layers of intrigue and mystery around the events of that fatal night.

Public and Media Reaction to the Case

Throughout the proceedings, Read has maintained her innocence and actively spoken to the media. She will also appear in an upcoming documentary that explores her case and the broader issues involved.

The dual layers of criminal and civil litigation, along with the public’s voracious interest in the proceedings, underscore the complicated and tragic nature of this case.

The legal outcomes could have significant ramifications not only for Read but also for the establishments accused of contributing to the circumstances leading to O'Keefe's death.