A Boston police officer’s death in 2022 might be tied to a complicated love triangle involving an ATF agent and his girlfriend. Karen Reed, 45, has been accused of murdering John O’Keefe, 46, on January 29, 2022. Authorities allege she struck him with her Lexus SUV, leading to his fatal injuries.
Reed has maintained her innocence and claims through her attorney that she did not hit O’Keefe. During the trial, defense attorney Alan Jackson questioned Sergeant Yuri Bukennik from the Massachusetts Police about the motivations of another man involved, Brian Higgins. He asked if Bukennik found any evidence of Higgins’ motive after reviewing text messages shared before O’Keefe’s death.
Text messages revealed flirtation between Reed and Higgins, despite her relationship with O’Keefe. Bukennik testified that O’Keefe wasn’t pursuing Higgins; rather, it was Reed who was engaged with Higgins.
On January 28, 2022, Reed, Higgins, and O’Keefe were seen together at a bar. After that encounter, Higgins sent several texts to Reed, which went unanswered shortly before O’Keefe’s death.
During questioning, Bukennik described a green mark found on the back of O’Keefe’s jeans, which he speculated could be a grass stain from falling. This detail was brought into question when Jackson asked whether such marks could appear from being dragged.
Bukennik expressed doubt about the nature of the stains, arguing they indicated something other than drug use or a struggle. Meanwhile, video evidence showed Higgins at the Canton Police Station shortly after O’Keefe was discovered dead the following morning.
Witnesses mentioned hearing Reed say, “I attacked him,” although the context remains unclear. Reed faces serious charges, including second-degree murder, and could face a long prison sentence if convicted. While she is the only one accused, Higgins has not been charged.
