Introduction to the Case
The jury in Karen Read’s retrial reached a verdict on Wednesday, finding her guilty on a charge of operating under the influence but not guilty on the murder and leaving the scene charges over the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe.
Read was sentenced moments after the verdict was read — she received a one-year probation.
The Verdict and Reaction
The verdict was greeted with raucous cheers outside court, where a large crowd of Read’s many supporters had gathered. She greeted them about half an hour later, thanking them in brief remarks for their financial and emotional support over the years. "No one has fought harder for justice for John O’Keefe than I have, than me and my team," Read said.
Response from O’Keefe’s Friends and Family
A close friend of O’Keefe, John Jackson, said he, other friends and family took issue with Read’s statement. "We watched her interview on the courthouse steps afterwards," he said. "If she decided to make better decisions between 12:30 and 6 a.m., he’d still be here."
The Trial and Deliberation
The jury, which was seated April 15, began deliberating Friday after hearing closing arguments. They had several questions for the judge on Tuesday, including, "If we find not guilty on two charges but can’t agree on one charge is it a hung jury on all three charges or just one charge?" There was a bizarre twist shortly before the verdict came in Wednesday, when Judge Beverly Cannone called the parties back to court to say that jurors reported reaching a verdict, only to quickly take it back.
After the Verdict
After it was reached, the verdict was read in court about 3 p.m. When the not guilty verdict on the third charge came in, Read hugged her lead attorney, Alan Jackson. She was in tears, along with others on her team.
Analysis and Next Steps
Get more analysis on what happened on a special edition of "Canton Confidential": After an eight-week trial and days of deliberation, a jury acquitted Karen Read of the most serious charges against her in John O’Keefe’s death — she was convicted only on an OUI charge, prompting a sudden cheer from the hundreds of Read’s supporters outside.
Charges Against Karen Read
Prosecutors brought three separate charges against Read:
- Second-degree murder is the most serious charge, and if convicted, Read could face life in prison.
- Manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor alleges that Read was driving drunk when she hit and killed John O’Keefe with her SUV.
- Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death alleges that Read left the scene after hitting O’Keefe without providing any assistance or reporting the incident.
What Happens Next
Prosecutors had alleged that Read killed O’Keefe, who was a Boston police officer, with her SUV while dropping him off at a home on Fairview Road in Canton, Massachusetts, early on the morning of Jan. 29, 2022. O’Keefe was found in the snow about 6 a.m., and he was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital. Read’s attorneys argued that she was framed, and their claims in support of that theory, including the disputed Google search "hos long to die in cold," have attracted both supporters and detractors nationwide.
Conclusion
The case of Karen Read has been highly publicized and controversial, with many following the trial’s developments closely. The verdict has brought some closure, but it also leaves many questions unanswered, particularly for the family and friends of John O’Keefe. As the legal system continues to navigate the complexities of this case, the public remains divided on the outcome.
FAQs
- Q: What were the charges against Karen Read?
A: Karen Read faced charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. - Q: What was the verdict in Karen Read’s trial?
A: Karen Read was found not guilty of murder and leaving the scene of an accident but guilty of operating under the influence (OUI). - Q: What is the significance of the Google search "hos long to die in cold" in the case?
A: The Google search was presented as evidence by the prosecution, suggesting that Karen Read had researched how long it would take for someone to die in the cold, potentially implicating her in John O’Keefe’s death. However, the defense argued that this evidence was not conclusive. - Q: What are the potential next steps in the case?
A: Following the verdict, there could be appeals, civil cases, or further investigations. The family of John O’Keefe and Karen Read’s team may also make public statements or take legal actions based on the outcome of the trial.
