In Dedham, Massachusetts, a judge ruled on Wednesday that Karen Read was not guilty of second-degree murder or manslaughter in the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe. However, the same judge did find her guilty of drunk driving, after deliberating for over 22 hours since June 13.
As the verdict was announced, cheers erupted from a crowd outside the courtroom, and Read left accompanied by her lawyer and family. “No one fought harder for justice for John O’Keefe,” said a supporter.
This decision comes nearly a year after another judge initially ruled on Read’s involvement in O’Keefe’s death, which occurred in January 2022.
Read faced serious charges including second-degree murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene of an accident, the latter of which could have led to a life sentence if convicted. Her father expressed deep relief and gratitude when the verdict was read, saying, “We need to bring life back.”
While some supporters celebrated the outcome, they also noted the pain of O’Keefe’s family. Statements from witnesses included condolences and a reflection on the complex emotions surrounding the case.
The case featured months of testimony and evidence, with the defense claiming a conspiracy involving police planted evidence against Read. In contrast, prosecutors painted a picture of a reckless accident where Read had struck O’Keefe with her vehicle after a party.
It was the second trial in this matter, following a mistrial in July due to juror misconduct. Supporters and legal advocates expressed a collective sense of relief while still grappling with the impact of the loss felt by O’Keefe’s family.
As the deliberations unfolded, Read’s defense pushed back against the accusations, emphasizing a lack of concrete evidence linking her actions to O’Keefe’s death. The prosecution, however, noted the necessity for accountability and the tragic circumstances of that night.
