Jury deliberations began Tuesday in the high-profile trial of Karen Read, accused of murdering her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, amid allegations of a police cover-up and a federal probe into her arrest.

Karen Read, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including second-degree murder and vehicular manslaughter, is accused of fatally striking John O'Keefe with her SUV and leaving him to die in the snow. Her defense team, suggesting a police cover-up and pointing to unprofessional behavior by investigators, claims off-duty officers were responsible for O'Keefe's death. The case, which has drawn significant public attention and sparked protests, is further complicated by a federal investigation into Read's arrest and prosecution.

John O’Keefe, a Boston police officer, was found deceased in the snow on the morning of January 29, 2022. Prosecutors believe he succumbed to injuries allegedly caused by being struck by Karen Read's SUV. According to court documents, the incident occurred after the couple returned from a night out drinking and arrived at the Fairview Road house in Canton.

Karen Read has been charged with second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The jury in the Norfolk County Superior Court started their deliberations on Tuesday.

The case has taken several dramatic turns, notably with Karen Read's defense team's assertion that she is being framed. They argue that off-duty police officers were involved in O'Keefe's death and that there has been a concerted effort to position Read as the perpetrator. They allege this is part of a larger cover-up within the police department to protect the real culprits.

Further complicating the case are revelations about Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator. Proctor admitted to sending 'unprofessional and offensive' text messages about Karen Read. The messages have drawn criticism from various quarters, including Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, who labelled them harmful to the integrity and dignity of law enforcement.

The atmosphere outside the courthouse has been charged, with Karen Read's supporters gathering in significant numbers. Many have been seen wearing pink and holding signs that read 'Free Karen Read.' Their presence underscores the public interest in the trial and the divisions it has caused.

In a startling development, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced a federal investigation into Karen Read's arrest and prosecution. This move indicates potential concerns about how the case has been handled by local authorities.

During the trial, the jury heard several pieces of evidence suggesting turmoil in the relationship. One substantial piece came from the night of O'Keefe's death when Karen Read left multiple angry voicemails on his phone. These recordings were played for the jury during the trial.

Prosecutors presented their theory that Read struck O’Keefe with her vehicle while reversing at high speed. They argued this impact caused fatal injuries, and O'Keefe was then left to succumb to the freezing temperatures. They supported their argument with testimony from firefighters who claim Read admitted to hitting O'Keefe.

Meanwhile, the defense countered with an alternative theory. They suggested John O’Keefe might have been mauled by a German shepherd owned by the homeowners of the house in Canton and subsequently left outside. Their assertion was bolstered by testimony that raised doubts about the quality of the police investigation, including the use of red plastic cups for collecting evidence.

A particularly peculiar moment came when Jennifer McCabe testified that Read asked her to Google 'how long it takes for someone to die in the snow.' This detail has been a point of contention, as it could suggest either a callous premeditation or a desperate, confused reaction.

Additionally, the trial saw the arrest of Aidan Kearney, a blogger known as 'Turtleboy,' for allegedly harassing witnesses involved in the case. This incident added another layer of complexity and external influence to the ongoing trial.

Inconsistencies and alleged investigative errors have plagued the case from its early stages. Examples include the controversial use of red plastic cups, which some believe compromised the integrity of the evidence collection, and issues with a surveillance video that was apparently flipped during the investigation.

As the jury continues deliberations, the public and the involved parties await a verdict that will significantly impact all those connected to the case. The trial has focused on the events that led to O’Keefe’s death, with discussions of possible unprofessional behavior among members of the law enforcement community.