Judge admonishes Karen Read after brief argument with defense

Judge Beverly Cannone had sharp words for Karen Read Wednesday after Read smiled and scoffed during a tense exchange between her lawyers and the judge.

As jury deliberations continued Wednesday morning, defense attorney Alan Jackson took issue with the verdict form, complaining there was no box for jurors to check “not guilty” on two lesser included charges of involuntary manslaughter or motor vehicle homicide. He pointed out that he previously raised concerns with the court Tuesday. 

Cannone noted that she never agreed to make the changes. “I said I’d think about it,” she said. “I said I was tired and I needed to think about it.”

Following the judge’s comment, Read turned and shared a grin with her family and friends in the courtroom gallery.

Cannone further explained that she decided against adding the “not guilty” boxes to the form because “this verdict slip, as submitted to the jury, is exactly how it always is in Massachusetts.”

“I don’t really care how it always is in Massachusetts,” Jackson, who is based in California, shot back. “I care about whether it’s appropriate.” 

“It’s appropriate,” Cannone maintained. She said jurors can indicate a “not guilty” verdict for the lesser included charges by simply not checking the boxes for “guilty.” 

Defense attorney David Yannetti, who is based in Massachusetts, said he hasn’t seen verdict slips where “not guilty” is not an option for lesser included charges.

“OK. I disagree with you,” Cannone said as Read made the scoffing noise and appeared to shake her head. 

“Excuse me? This is funny, Ms. Read?” Cannone said sharply. “All right, we’re done.” 

Watch the brief exchange via WCVB: