Massachusetts jury acquits Read of all major charges in the 2022 death of John O’Keefe.
After three years and two highly publicized trials, Karen Read has been acquitted of the most serious charges in connection with the 2022 death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe.
The 45-year-old was facing charges of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while under the influence, and leaving the scene of a fatal collision. On Wednesday, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty on all but one count: operating a vehicle under the influence. She was sentenced to one year of probation, a standard penalty for first-time offenders.
Prosecutors argued that Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV after an evening of drinking and left him in the snow outside a colleague’s home. The defense countered that O’Keefe was assaulted inside the house by one or more individuals and that his body was later moved outside, with evidence manipulated to frame Read.
The second trial, which began in April 2025, included 31 days of testimony and featured 49 witnesses. Read’s defense team emphasized alleged flaws in the police investigation, asserting that there was no concrete physical or forensic proof that she struck O’Keefe.
Central points of contention included the time of an online search related to hypothermia by a key witness, evidence of potential dog bites on the victim, and questions surrounding the handling of Read’s vehicle and blood samples at the scene.
Following the verdict, Read addressed a supportive crowd outside the courthouse, expressing gratitude for their emotional and financial backing. She also stated her continued commitment to seeking justice in the case.
