A Massachusetts jury has acquitted Karen Read of serious charges related to the death of her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, a police officer, after two trials spanning three years.
At 45 years old, Read was charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death.
The jury’s decision, delivered on Wednesday, revealed a verdict of not guilty on the most serious charges, which sparked cheers from her supporters outside the courthouse.
However, Read was found guilty of operating a vehicle under the influence, a charge that carries a standard penalty of one year of probation for first-time offenders.
Following the verdict, Judge Beverly Cannone announced the sentence, leading to an emotional moment where Read embraced her legal team amidst the celebration from her supporters wearing pink, chanting slogans in her favor.
In her remarks outside the courthouse, Read expressed gratitude to her supporters, emphasizing that her fight for justice for O’Keefe was unwavering.
The case stemmed from an incident in January 2022, when O’Keefe, 46, was found dead after a night of drinking with Read and others in Canton, Massachusetts.
Read and O’Keefe had been in a relationship for approximately two years prior to the incident.
The narrative surrounding O’Keefe’s death included allegations that he had been struck by Read’s Lexus SUV while she made a three-point turn out of a relative’s driveway, which prosecutors argued led to his fatal injuries.
They cited evidence including blood drops, a broken cocktail glass, and parts of Read’s car at the scene, arguing that she left O’Keefe to die in the snow after the accident.
Conversely, Read’s defense attorneys posited that O’Keefe had sustained his injuries in a fight inside the home where he had been gathering with friends.
They argued that one or more police officers might have been involved in the altercation and subsequently moved O’Keefe’s body outside, tampering with evidence to frame Read for his death.
Throughout both trials, the key details remained contested, as the defense pointed to a lack of concrete evidence demonstrating that Read’s vehicle had collided with O’Keefe.
In the first trial, jurors were unable to reach a unanimous decision, resulting in a mistrial declared in July 2024.
The second trial began in April 2025, featuring extensive forensic testimony and a variety of witnesses, in which the defense again highlighted the flawed investigation conducted by the police.
Defense attorney Alan Jackson asserted in closing arguments that there was ‘no collision,’ questioning the integrity of the investigation that led to Read’s charges.
Prosecutors argued that Read’s behavior following the incident demonstrated negligence and a clear disregard for O’Keefe’s well-being.
They maintained that leaving O’Keefe alone in the snow, whether or not she was aware of hitting him, constituted criminal behavior.
In contrast, Read insisted her remark, ‘I hit him,’ when speaking to emergency responders the next morning, was a question, not an admission of guilt.
Both sides acknowledged that O’Keefe’s death was surrounded by various circumstances, including the weather that night, which hindered immediate medical assistance.
O’Keefe had been a devoted police officer with a supportive family, including his niece and nephew, who were in his care at the time.
The second trial was marked by increasing public attention and media coverage, leading to demonstrations outside the courthouse, reflecting widespread interest and opinions surrounding the case.
The prosecution’s arguments leaned heavily on the emotional impact of O’Keefe’s untimely death, painting a portrait of a man left to die under tragic circumstances.
The defense, on the other hand, criticized the police investigative practices, citing evidence mishandling and potential bias among law enforcement.
The jury in the second trial faced challenges in reaching a decision due to the complexity of the case, ultimately resulting inRead’s reduced charge and subsequent probation.
Numerous jurors in the first trial expressed afterwards that they believed Read was not guilty of the most severe charges, but felt confusion regarding their ability to deliver a partial verdict.
The series of events leading to Read’s acquittal displayed the intricacies of legal proceedings in high-profile cases involving law enforcement.
The unfolding narrative of Karen Read and John O’Keefe has sparked discussions surrounding justice, accountability, and the interaction between personal relationships and law enforcement dynamics.
With Read’s verdict, the case not only concluded a tumultuous legal journey for her but raised questions about systemic flaws in investigations and the possible influences affecting judicial outcomes in such cases.
image source from：npr
