Karen Read could be convicted of just drunk driving as jurors apparently remained at odds over one count and received a new, easier-to-follow verdict slip from the judge.
The amended slip was offered after the jury had a series of questions for Judge Beverly Cannone during its second full day of deliberations Tuesday at Read’s second trial.
The slip, which concerns Read’s second charge of manslaughter, gives better step-by-step instructions.
The amended slip for the manslaughter charge has more language that instructs jurors that they could convict or acquit Read of manslaughter and all lesser included charges, or the jury could pick a lesser offense to convict or acquit.
The very last included offense is operating under the influence of liquor. The new slip instructs jurors to move on to and consider that charge if they cannot find Read guilty of any of the larger subcounts.
A question submitted by the panel deciding Read’s fate Tuesday asked the judge if it would be a hung jury if the jurors find Read not guilty on two charges but can’t come to a consensus on another count.
After Cannone asked if the tweaked instructions were clearer, several jurors nodded yes, Masslive reported.
Read faces charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.
Read is accused of killing her Boston cop boyfriend by striking him with her car and leaving him for dead outside a Canton house party.
Her first trial ended in a mistrial.
