High‑Profile Verdict: Karen Read Acquitted of Murder, Convicted on OUI
On June 18, 2025, a Massachusetts jury found Karen Read not guilty of the most serious charges – second‑degree murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene – in the January 29, 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, during a snowstorm
🔍 Jury Deliberation & Key Evidence
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Jury deliberated for four days (approximately 21–22 hours total) before delivering the verdict.
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Defense successfully cast doubt on the prosecution’s narrative, highlighting:
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Discrepancies in O’Keefe’s injuries—suggested he was beaten inside a home, not struck by a vehicle.
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Testimony regarding damage to Read’s SUV: Repair experts and reconstructionists reported taillight damage inconsistent with a pedestrian collision.
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High-profile misconduct by lead investigator Michael Proctor, who was later dismissed from the Massachusetts State Police due to derogatory text messages about Read.
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⚖️ Lesser Charge: Operating Under the Influence
While acquitted of homicide-related counts, Read was found guilty of operating her vehicle under the influence. She received one year of probation—no jail time.
💥 Reaction & Fallout
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Read’s defense team, led by Alan Jackson, argued that without the toxic investigator’s influence, science, physics, and data favored their case.
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Supporters cheered outside Dedham Superior Court, celebrating both the acquittal and their perception of justice served.
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The O’Keefe family has since filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit, which will proceed despite the acquittal.
📚 Background Quick Summary
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | January 29, 2022, O’Keefe dies outside a Canton residence; Read accused of backing into him with her SUV. |
| First Trial | July 2024: ended in hung jury (mistrial) . |
| Second Trial | April–June 2025: led by new prosecutors, defense challenged motive and evidence. Jury cleared her of major charges on June 18, 2025 . |
🧩 Why It Matters
This verdict underscores the high burden of proving murder beyond a reasonable doubt—particularly when evidence is contested, and investigative integrity is questioned. The case raises broader issues around:
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Police transparency in investigations involving law enforcement personnel.
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Forensic science’s role in reconstructing events.
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The potential gap between criminal acquittal and civil liability, as the O’Keefe family pursues damages in wrongful death court.
✅ Final Thoughts
Karen Read’s acquittal on homicide charges marks a dramatic turn in a case that gripped New England. The conviction on the lesser OUI count reflects her impaired state at the time – but not culpability for O’Keefe’s death. With the civil case yet to move forward, this story isn’t over.
