Karen Read Speaks Out in New Documentary Ahead of Retrial

New documentary examines Karen Read’s case and controversy surrounding her upcoming retrial in John O’Keefe’s death.

A new documentary series is giving Karen Read the opportunity to share her side of the story before she returns to court next month for her retrial in the case involving the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe.

The three-part series, A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read, premieres on Investigation Discovery on March 17 and will also be available for streaming on Max. Filmed over 11 weeks during Read’s first trial, the documentary examines the case that has drawn national attention and sparked widespread debate.

Read is accused of intentionally striking O’Keefe with her SUV and leaving him outside in a snowstorm after a night of drinking in January 2022. She faces charges of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. If convicted, she could receive a life sentence, with additional penalties for the other charges. Her first trial ended in a mistrial in July 2024, and her retrial is set to begin on April 1 in Norfolk County Superior Court.

Director Terry Dunn Meurer told Yahoo News that her team was embedded with Read’s defense for the first trial but emphasized that Read and her attorneys had no editorial control over the series. The documentary primarily features interviews with Read and her legal team, who claim she was framed by the Boston Police Department. While some of O’Keefe’s friends participated, his family and the prosecution declined to be interviewed.

Beyond the courtroom, controversy has also emerged regarding Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor, a key investigator in the case. Proctor was suspended after inappropriate text messages about Read surfaced during her first trial. While his family argues he is being unfairly targeted, Read’s defense claims his involvement compromised the integrity of the investigation.

Jury selection is set to begin April 1.