My Exclusive Interview with Karen Read Juror Number 11

Ten questions with Juror Paula Prado.

Let’s start off with the most important question. Did you think Karen Read killed John O’Keefe, and when did you come to that conclusion?

To be absolutely honest, on the first day of trial, as I observed Karen’s demeanor in court, I was very suspicious. It felt like she was hiding something. Her confidence gave off an impression of arrogance. Over time, I came to understand that I was looking at a woman who had already lost so much. The fact that she was able to remain calm, composed, and actively involved in her own defense became something I admired.

I had doubts, of course. I was initially inclined to find her guilty—at least of manslaughter. But the more holes we saw in the case, the less I believed she was responsible for John’s death. For the past three weeks or so, I became increasingly comfortable in saying: she did not kill him.

Did you feel that the judge favored either side in this trial?

I wouldn’t say “favored,” but especially during the defense’s case, I noticed a lot more of “I’ll allow it” being said right after objections from the defense. I understand that certain words or facts can’t be introduced, and sometimes attorneys try to get something in by asking questions they know will be objected to. Still, Dr. Russell, for example, was hard to follow due to the constant sustained objections from the Commonwealth.

Who was the most memorable witness in this trial?

For me, Mr. Yuri Bukhenik. Because I was seated in the first row, I could see him clenching his fists a few times—it was very tense. ARCCA was memorable for different reasons; they made a lot of the technical information finally make sense to me.

Did you believe the injuries to John O’Keefe’s arm were caused by a dog?

Yes—and I actually have my own theory about the dog’s role in his death. I don’t see those injuries coming from a taillight at all. Plus, the lack of more injuries on his body made it really hard to believe a collision occurred.

Did you know that the ARCCA witnesses were first contacted by the FBI?

No. I only assumed it was the FBI after one of the witnesses before ARCCA mentioned “another agency.”

What did you think of the video clips of Karen speaking in those documentaries?

I think she wanted to speak her truth without having to go on the stand. Those interviews gave her better control of the narrative. I also think it was a strategic move by her defense. Her alcohol use was an undeniable fact—it was better for her to address it herself.

Did you feel like convicting Karen of the OUI was the right thing, or did you feel like you had to convict her of something?

Absolutely not. The OUI was the only charge I strongly believe the Commonwealth proved. She said in several interviews, “I was buzzed,” “I shouldn’t have driven,” “My alertness wasn’t where it should have been.” Once we determined that the videos were admissible, I couldn’t ignore that charge.

What witness did you trust the most?

I trusted the forensic scientists from the Massachusetts State Police Lab, like Maureen Hartnett and Tess Chart. They worked with what they were given. I also believe Dr. Laposata and Isaac Wolf were extremely knowledgeable and stated their findings truthfully.

What witness did you trust the least?

Officer Kelly Dever—her behavior in court made me question whether it’s safe for someone who acts like that to be carrying a gun among civilians.

How hard was it for you to be part of this jury for so long? How were you able to do it every day?

I have four young children under my care, and I work from home on a contract basis. I don’t have a large workload because I’m their primary caregiver. It was fairly easy to manage their care with my husband and my extended family. I asked my father to help out as well and he came from Brazil to spend some time with us. Having this part taken care of, I was actually very happy to be part of this process. Did not mind leave the house every day to “help the judge” as my kids would say. Once I got into the routine of going to the courthouse every day, I honestly felt like I was reliving my old life as an attorney before I had kids.

It made me think seriously about studying and learning more about American law—maybe even working in the legal field again. It wasn’t a burden at all, except for deliberation day, when I felt extremely stressed and overwhelmed by the weight of our responsibility.

What is something you would want everyone to know about this case or trial?

I think I’d want to speak directly to the O’Keefe family. I was the juror who left the courtroom in tears—and it wasn’t because justice had been served for Karen Read, though I was happy for her and her family. I cried for Mrs. O’Keefe, Paul, and everyone in John’s family. They did not get the justice they deserve.

I understand they might not want to hear from any of us, but I want to make it clear that our duty was only to determine whether there was reasonable doubt. If there’s any chance that Karen Read was responsible for John’s death, then the blame lies with the sloppy investigation that made it impossible to connect her to his tragic passing.

We didn’t fail the O’Keefes. The Commonwealth did. The police did.

Personally, I believe she is 100% innocent. But even for those jurors who still had doubts, none of us could say—beyond a reasonable doubt—that she did it.

To Karen Read’s supporters and advocates: please keep pressuring the DA. Keep standing against corruption. And above all, I hope we can still achieve justice for John O’Keefe.