Karen Read found not guilty of murder in retrial over John O’Keefe’s death

Karen Read was found not guilty of second-degree murder in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, following a high-profile retrial in Dedham, Massachusetts.

he jury delivered the verdict on June 18, 2025, after four days of deliberation and over a month of testimony.

Read was acquitted of the top charge as well as drunken driving manslaughter and fleeing the scene of a fatal crash. However, she was convicted of a lesser offense — operating under the influence (OUI) with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08% or greater. Special prosecutor Hank Brennan requested a standard sentence: one year of probation and enrollment in a 24D alcohol education program.

The case stems from a January 29, 2022 incident during a blizzard, when O’Keefe was found dead outside a home in Canton. Prosecutors claimed Read struck him with her SUV while intoxicated and left him in the snow. The defense argued that O’Keefe's injuries were caused by a dog attack or a physical altercation at a nearby party.

Witnesses Jennifer McCabe and Kerry Roberts testified that Read was in a panic and repeatedly said “I hit him.” A paramedic also reported hearing her say the same phrase.

Despite the circumstantial evidence, the jury was not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt. Cheers erupted outside the courthouse from Read’s supporters following the partial acquittal.

Read’s first trial in 2024 ended in a hung jury. The retrial included a revamped legal team and was closely followed by national media. Although Read chose not to testify, prosecutors played several of her prior interviews to present her version of events.

The verdict marks a significant moment in a controversial case that sparked widespread public debate and divided opinions on justice and accountability.