Defense Requests Mistrial in Karen Read Case Citing Improper DNA Evidence

The Karen Read trial took an unexpected turn on June 3, 2025, when the defense filed a motion for a mistrial. The defense attorney argued that the prosecution's introduction of DNA evidence was improper, claiming it was presented for the first time in court, despite previous claims to the contrary. "Whatever the motivation is for wanting a mistrial can't be based on a claim that the prosecution raised DNA for the first time," stated the defense attorney. The defense cited specific passages from the court transcript (page 83, line 21; page 122, line 14; page 124, line 14) to support their assertion that the prosecution had previously alluded to the DNA evidence. This development raises questions about the prosecution's strategy and the potential for a significant delay or even a retrial in the already complex case. The judge will now consider the defense's motion, and the outcome could have far-reaching implications for the trial's progress and the ultimate verdict.