Karen Read Acquitted of Second-Degree Murder in Boyfriend’s Death
DEDHAM, Mass. (AP) — In a high-profile case that captured public attention, a jury found Karen Read not guilty of second-degree murder in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe. However, she was convicted on a lesser charge of drunken driving. The jury reached its decision after deliberating for over 22 hours since June 13.
The verdict comes almost a year after a previous jury could not reach a consensus, resulting in a mistrial. Read’s legal counsel has maintained that she was falsely accused by police after allegedly dropping O’Keefe off at a party hosted by a fellow officer.
Prosecutors claimed that Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV and left him to die in the snow. The defense, on the other hand, argued that O’Keefe suffered fatal injuries inside the home and was subsequently dragged outside, alleging a police conspiracy involving planted evidence.
Read faced serious charges including second-degree murder, which could have resulted in a life sentence. Assistant District Attorney Hank Brennan described O’Keefe as a “good man” who needed help, asserting that Read’s actions led to his death. Brennan claimed, “She was drunk. She hit him and she left him to die.”
Defense attorney Alan Jackson countered the prosecution’s narrative, insisting there was no evidence of a collision. “There is no evidence that John was hit by a car. None,” he asserted.
The second trial differed from the first, with the state calling fewer witnesses this time. Despite the conviction of driving while drunk, Read’s acquittal on the murder charge is seen as a significant victory for her defense team.
Story by Michael Casey and Patrick Whittle, Associated Press
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