In a dramatic twist to one of New England’s most closely watched legal sagas, Karen Read was found not guilty on June 18, 2025, for the second time in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe. The jury cleared her of second-degree murder, manslaughter while under the influence, and leaving the scene of a fatal crash. However, she was convicted of operating under the influence, receiving one year of probation.
Overview of the Case
- In January 2022, O’Keefe was found dead in a snowbank following a house party in Canton, Massachusetts, with evidence pointing to both blunt-force trauma and hypothermia.
- Prosecutors claimed Read backed into him with her SUV. The defense countered that another partygoer—or possibly even a dog—attacked O’Keefe, alleging a police conspiracy against Read.
- The first trial ended in a mistrial in July 2024 after the jury deadlocked. The retrial began April 2025 and concluded with the recent verdict.
Key Differences in the Second Trial
- The prosecution team was replaced and led by Special Prosecutor Hank Brennan, bringing fresh scrutiny to the evidence and theories.
- Notably, the lead investigator Michael Proctor, dismissed for misconduct, did not testify in this trial.
- Forensic debates centered on whether the taillight damage and O’Keefe’s injuries were consistent with a vehicle collision or an alternate source like an assault.
Verdict and Reaction
- After 21 hours of deliberation, the jury lifted a collective sigh of relief outside the courtroom—Read hugged her attorneys as supporters applauded.
- While avoiding prison time, her one-year probation reflects the DUI conviction.
- The verdict has reignited conversations about law enforcement accountability, forensic science, and the influence of public opinion in high-profile trials.
What It All Means
- Read’s acquittal highlights the complexity of such cases—especially those involving conflicting physical evidence and narratives.
- The case has inspired numerous documentaries and ongoing civil litigation, including wrongful death lawsuits from the O’Keefe family.
- It continues to spark debate on police procedures, impartiality, and what constitutes reasonable doubt.
What’s Next?
With her criminal trial concluded, attention turns to the wrongful-death lawsuit filed by O’Keefe’s family and the broader implications of this case for criminal justice reform and law enforcement oversight.
What’s Your Take?
Do you think justice was served with the Karen Read verdict? How do you weigh wrongful-death claims against criminal proceedings? Let us know in the comments below, and follow MEFeater for coverage on justice, legal news, and more.
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