Case Background and Charges
Karen Read was arrested in February 2022 following the death of Boston police officer John O'Keefe on January 29, 2022. Read was initially charged with manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident, and motor vehicle homicide. In June 2022, a Norfolk County grand jury upgraded her charges to second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol, and leaving the scene of personal injury and death.
Read maintained her innocence throughout the legal proceedings. Her defense team argued that O'Keefe was killed inside the Albert household and that police officers involved in the case used their resources to taint the investigation and frame Read. The case drew national attention due to the involvement of police officers and allegations of investigative misconduct.
Retrial and June 2025 Verdict
Karen Read's retrial began in spring 2025 after her first trial ended in a mistrial. The prosecution presented evidence related to Read's blood alcohol level, digital activity timelines, and forensic analysis of damage to her vehicle. Testimony included expert opinions on the alignment of injuries to O'Keefe with the alleged reverse impact from Read's Lexus. The prosecution rested its case on May 29, 2025.
On June 18, 2025, after deliberating for four days, the jury acquitted Read of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. However, she was convicted of the lesser charge of operating under the influence (OUI). Judge Beverly Cannone sentenced Read to one year of probation, which included participation in the Commonwealth's 24(d) program, outpatient treatment, and suspension of her driver's license.
Civil Lawsuit and Ongoing Legal Matters
On August 23, 2024, the O'Keefe family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Karen Read and two Canton bars, accusing Read of hitting and killing O'Keefe and alleging the bars overserved her alcohol. Judge William White ordered a stay of proceedings until the criminal case was resolved to protect Read's Fifth Amendment rights. Following the June 2025 acquittal, the civil case proceeded with Read represented by attorneys from Melick & Porter, LLP.
In August 2025, attorney Alan Jackson joined Karen Read's legal team for the civil trial. The civil case continues to be a significant legal matter for Read, as the O'Keefe family pursues damages in connection with the officer's death, despite her acquittal on the major criminal charges.