Karen Reed Faces Civil Lawsuit After Murder Acquittal
Karen Reed has been acquitted of a criminal murder charge, but she’s not completely off the hook. She still faces a civil lawsuit concerning the death of her late partner, Boston police officer John O’Keefe.
This lawsuit, initiated by O’Keefe’s family, is set to move forward while the criminal case resolves. Reed, who is 45 years old, is waiting on the civil proceedings that stem from alleged wrongful death allegations.
While Reed was acquitted of murder on Wednesday, she was still sentenced to probation for driving under the influence. This situation allows for civil suits to progress without hindrance.
The lawsuit, which was filed shortly after a mistrial earlier this year, includes claims from O’Keefe’s parents and siblings, who accuse Reed of intentionally running him over while intoxicated and failing to assist him during a snowstorm.
The family also took issue with two bars, McCarthy’s and the Waterfall Bar & Grill, alleging they served Reed excessively on the night before O’Keefe’s death. Reportedly, Reed consumed nine drinks while bar-hopping with O’Keefe on January 28, 2022, before driving him to an after-party.
This legal battle is incredibly distressing for O’Keefe’s family, who have to cope with the fallout from his tragic passing. At the time of the incident, O’Keefe’s 14-year-old niece was living with him, and she recalls waking up at 4:30 a.m. to hear distressing news about her uncle.
Seeking at least $50,000 in damages, the lawsuit is focused on the emotional turmoil inflicted upon the family. Legal experts indicate that the burden of proof in a civil case is noticeably less demanding than in a criminal one.
According to Randolph Rice, a legal analyst, “In civil cases, the standard is simply a preponderance of evidence, which is easier to meet than the reasonable doubt standard in criminal cases.” This makes it notably simpler for plaintiffs to prove their case.
With the criminal case behind her, Reed may now have to participate in depositions. Rice noted that her legal team could attempt to limit what questions can be asked, but the scope would still be quite broad. “If the plaintiff’s lawyer can connect it to the case, she has to answer,” he explained.
Despite the challenges she faces, Reed’s defense has garnered significant financial support, reportedly over $1 million, and she has rallied a devoted following that has shown strong support outside the courtroom during the trials.
The atmosphere during the verdict announcement was electric, with cheers resonating from her supporters. Meanwhile, attorneys for the various parties involved have yet to comment officially on the ongoing legal matters.
