Karen Read has been acquitted of second-degree murder in the death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe.
Here’s a breakdown of the verdict, trial, and explosive claims of a police cover-up.
⚖️ Jury Reaches A Verdict In High-Profile Karen Read Case
After weeks of emotional testimony, fierce legal arguments, and shocking allegations, a Massachusetts jury has reached a verdict in the highly publicized case involving Karen Read and the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe.
On Tuesday, jurors found Karen Read not guilty of second-degree murder, not guilty of involuntary manslaughter, and not guilty of leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
However, they did find her guilty of driving under the influence—the only charge that resulted in a conviction.
🚔 The Charges Against Karen Read
Karen Read was facing multiple serious charges, including:
- Second-degree murder, which carried a potential life sentence
- Manslaughter while operating under the influence, which could have meant up to 20 years in prison
- Motor vehicle homicide
- Leaving the scene of personal injury and death
- Driving under the influence
Ultimately, the jury rejected the prosecution’s theory that Read intentionally struck O’Keefe with her SUV and left him to die in the snow outside a friend’s house.
🧩 The Prosecution’s Case: A Toxic Relationship Turned Deadly
Assistant District Attorney Hank Brennan painted a picture of a volatile, deteriorating relationship.
He argued that Karen Read was drunk—reportedly two to three times over the legal limit—when she allegedly struck John O’Keefe with her vehicle after a heated argument.
Brennan claimed Read made a “choice to let him die,” leaving him in freezing temperatures instead of calling for help.
Prosecutors also highlighted the couple’s alcohol-fueled night out, claiming that tensions escalated during the ride to a house party hosted by another officer.
“She was drunk, she hit him, and she left him to die,” Brennan told the jury in his closing argument.
🔍 The Defense: A Police Cover-Up And Corrupt Investigation
Defense attorney Alan Jackson delivered a powerful rebuttal, repeatedly telling the jury: “There was no collision.”
He insisted that Karen Read was the victim of a police cover-up orchestrated to shield the real killer and protect fellow officers.
The defense pointed to former Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator, as a key figure in the alleged corruption.
Proctor, who was fired for sending vile, sexist text messages about Read during the investigation, became the defense’s symbol of a flawed and biased case.
Notably, prosecutors opted not to call him to the stand in this trial, unlike the first.
Jackson argued that Proctor’s personal vendetta against Read tainted every step of the case—from evidence collection to the narrative shared with the media.
🧠 Public Interest, Media Frenzy, And Lingering Questions
The trial captivated the public with its mix of legal drama, law enforcement infighting, and courtroom bombshells.
Supporters of Karen Read, who have long claimed she was framed, celebrated the verdict as a victory for justice.
However, questions remain—about what really happened to John O’Keefe, and whether the full truth will ever come to light.
📅 What’s Next For Karen Read?
Though cleared of the most serious charges, Karen Read still faces sentencing for the drunk driving.
The sentencing phase will determine whether she serves time behind bars or receives a lighter penalty.
Stay tuned for updates as this case continues to unfold.
Frens, do you agree with the verdict?
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