Judge declares mistrial in Karen Read case with jury at impasse

A jury in Norfolk County failed to reach a verdict in the case against Karen Read, who was accused of hitting her boyfriend with an SUV and leaving him to die.

Why it matters: The high-profile trial that captivated New Englanders ends without a resolution as to whether Read killed her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, or was framed by police, as her supporters contended.

• Because the hung jury results in a mistrial, Read could be tried again.

What they said: "To continue to deliberate would be futile and only serve to compromise [jurors'] deeply held beliefs," the jury's note to the judge read.

Catch up fast: Read was charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

• The second-degree murder charge alone could get someone life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Prosecutors spent weeks arguing Read hit O'Keefe with her SUV, leaving broken taillight pieces at the scene, while Read's attorneys highlighted missteps in the police investigation and cast doubt on the evidence.

The latest: The lead investigator in the Read case, Trooper Michael Proctor , has been relieved of duty by the State Police.

• Proctor has been under an internal affairs probe for serious misconduct since he testified about his role in the Read investigation.

Between the lines: The defense's argument that police pressured witnesses and mishandled evidence has added to scrutiny of the State Police and District Attorney's office investigators.

• Add in testimony and cell phone evidence showing police insulted, gossiped about and sexually harassed Read, and the already-tarnished reputation of the State Police has taken another blow.

What's next: Prosecutors say they plan to try Read again, per NBC Boston .

• They have up to a year from now to do so.
• First, the attorneys must appear for a hearing July 22 to determine how the case will proceed.