The Karen Read retrial has become one of the most closely watched legal dramas in recent memory. Accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend John O’Keefe in January 2022, Karen Read faces three serious charges in a case marked by conflicting narratives, intense media scrutiny, and allegations of police misconduct. This blog post provides a detailed look at the Karen Read retrial, from the facts of the case to the latest developments as the jury deliberates.
What Led to the Karen Read Retrial?
Karen Read, a 45-year-old woman, is charged with second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. The incident occurred in January 2022 after a night of drinking, when O’Keefe was found unresponsive in the snow outside a friend’s home in Canton, Massachusetts.
The first trial ended in a mistrial in July 2024 after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. Several jurors later stated that they had agreed to acquit Read of the most serious charges, but the jury was deadlocked on the manslaughter while under the influence charge. Despite defense attempts to prevent retrial on the acquitted counts, citing double jeopardy, the courts allowed the Karen Read retrial to proceed.
The Prosecution’s Case
Prosecutors argue that Karen Read, while intoxicated, intentionally reversed her Lexus SUV into O’Keefe after dropping him off at a friend’s house, then left him to die in the snow. They allege that Read and O’Keefe had been arguing, and that her actions were driven by anger and alcohol. Key testimony in the retrial included a friend, Jennifer McCabe, who changed her story to say that Read had stated “I hit him” three times, echoing what a paramedic had previously testified.
The Defense’s Argument
The defense in the Karen Read retrial has maintained that Read is innocent and the victim of a police cover-up. They argue that O’Keefe was actually beaten and bitten by a dog inside the home of another police officer, then dragged outside and left in the snow, and that evidence was planted to frame Read. Defense attorneys have pointed to inconsistencies in the police investigation and questioned the credibility of witnesses. Notably, the lead investigator, State Trooper Michael Proctor, was absent from the retrial after facing criticism for inappropriate conduct in the first trial.
Key Takeaway Fixer
Element | Summary |
---|---|
Defendant | Karen Read |
Victim | Officer John O’Keefe |
Charges | 2nd-degree murder, OUI manslaughter, leaving the scene |
First Trial Outcome | Mistrial (hung jury) – July 2024 |
Retrial Start Date | April 1, 2025 |
Current Status | Jury deliberating |
Verdict Possibilities | Guilty, Not Guilty, or another hung jury |
The Retrial: Key Developments
- Trial Duration: The retrial began on April 22, 2025, and featured dozens of witnesses over nearly eight weeks.
- Jury Instructions: After closing arguments, Judge Beverly Cannone gave the jury detailed instructions before deliberations began.
- Jury Deliberations: The jury started deliberating on June 13, 2025, with their first full day of discussions taking place on June 16.
- Defense Motions: The defense requested changes to the verdict slip, but the judge rejected the motion.
- Media Coverage: The Karen Read retrial has been widely covered by local and national media, with live streams and constant updates.