In a high-profile legal case, a Massachusetts jury has acquitted Karen Read of murdering her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe. This verdict comes nearly a year after her first trial ended in a mistrial due to the jury’s inability to reach a consensus on the charges against her.
The jury found Read not guilty of several serious charges, which included second-degree murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.
However, they did find her guilty of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor. Immediately following the ruling, the presiding judge sentenced Read to a standard one-year probation, a typical consequence for a first-time offense.
As the verdict was announced, audible cheers erupted from supporters gathered outside the courthouse. Read expressed her emotional relief by embracing her legal team and shedding tears of joy.
The jury’s deliberation began on June 13 in Norfolk County and culminated in a verdict revealed on the afternoon of June 14.
Prosecutors had claimed that Read struck O’Keefe with her vehicle in front of fellow police officer Brian Albert’s home following a night of heavy drinking back in January 2022. They alleged that she left him outside to perish in a severe snowstorm.
Conversely, the defense argued that Read’s car did not impact O’Keefe but instead claimed he was attacked by a dog and beaten by others inside the house before being discarded in the snow.
Read, who steadfastly maintained her innocence throughout the trial, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Upon leaving the courthouse, Read expressed her gratitude to her
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