Karen Read Found Not Guilty of Murder in Boston Officer’s Death
Karen Read, a 45-year-old financial analyst from Massachusetts, was acquitted of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene of an accident involving her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, who died in 2022. The verdict emerged after a highly publicized retrial, though Read was found guilty of operating under the influence (OUI), receiving one year of probation along with an alcohol education program.
Mixed Emotions as Verdict Sparks Strong Reactions
Outside Norfolk County Superior Court in Dedham, crowds erupted in cheers following the jury’s decision. Read expressed profound gratitude to her supporters, emphasizing she had fought relentlessly for justice. "No one has fought harder for justice for John O’Keefe than I have, and my team," she said, crediting the unwavering financial and emotional backing she received during almost four years of legal battles.
Inside the courtroom, Read shared an emotional embrace with her attorney, Alan Jackson. However, reactions were starkly different among O’Keefe’s family and close friends, who released a statement denouncing the verdict as a "devastating miscarriage of justice." They attributed the outcome to conspiracy theories propagated by the defense and media influence.
Tracing the Events Leading Up to O’Keefe’s Death
On January 28, 2022, Read and O’Keefe, dating for two years, spent the evening at various bars before attending a house party in Canton, Massachusetts. The following morning, O’Keefe was discovered unresponsive in the snow outside a retired officer's home. The cause of death was ruled blunt-force trauma compounded by hypothermia.
Conflicting Narratives Unfold in Court
Prosecutors argued that Read struck O’Keefe with her Lexus SUV, citing physical evidence including damage to the vehicle and taillight fragments near the scene, alongside witness claims that Read admitted to hitting him. Toxicology reports showed she was significantly over the legal blood-alcohol limit at the time.
Conversely, Read's defense alleged she was framed. They proposed that O’Keefe was injured indoors, possibly during an altercation or by an animal, with his body later moved. Defense lawyers also raised concerns over misconduct by a lead investigator who was removed from the case after sending inappropriate texts about Read.
From Mistrial to Retrial: The Long Legal Road
The trial initially began in April 2024, ending in a hung jury and mistrial. The retrial, which commenced in April 2025 and concluded in mid-June, cleared Read of the major charges. Her sole conviction related to the operating under the influence charge.
The Legal and Social Fallout Continues
Despite the criminal acquittal, O’Keefe’s family has pursued a wrongful-death lawsuit against Read and two bars accused of serving her excessive alcohol. This civil case remains active.
The case has captivated national attention, sparking broader discussions about justice, the influence of wealth, and media impact on courtroom outcomes. Read’s legal team, backed by significant funding, maintained that she was unfairly targeted by law enforcement to protect other parties.
