Karen Read Found Not Guilty in Boyfriend’s Death
After weeks of intense courtroom drama and divided public opinion, Karen Read has been acquitted of murder charges in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe. The verdict came down on June 18 following days of jury deliberation.
The case, which captivated audiences nationwide, centered on allegations that Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV after a house party in Massachusetts in 2022. While prosecutors argued for murder, Read’s defense team maintained she was framed by law enforcement.
Karen Read leaves court after being found not guilty of murder charges
The Charges and Verdict
The jury considered three serious charges:
- Second-degree murder
- Manslaughter while driving under the influence
- Leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death
In a dramatic conclusion, Read was found not guilty on all major charges. The only conviction was for operating under the influence of alcohol, for which she had already been sentenced to one year probation.
Case Background
The case stems from a January 2022 incident where O’Keefe was found dead in the snow outside another police officer’s home following a night of drinking. Prosecutors claimed Read intentionally struck O’Keefe with her vehicle during an argument.
Read, a former finance professor, maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings. Her defense team presented an alternative theory suggesting O’Keefe was actually killed inside the home and that evidence was planted to frame Read.
A jury found Karen Read not guilty of second-degree murder in the death of her then Boston cop boyfriend, John O’Keefe. But received a guilty verdict for operating under the influence of alcohol. The jury deliberated for about 20 hours. pic.twitter.com/fUshWI0Xo9
— Law&Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) June 18, 2025
Public Reaction
The case polarized communities, with vocal groups supporting both sides. Outside the courthouse, cheers erupted from Read’s supporters when the verdict was announced. Many had followed the case closely, wearing pink in solidarity with Read during court appearances.
This was actually Read’s second trial – the first ended in a mistrial last year when jurors couldn’t reach a unanimous decision after five days of deliberation.
What Comes Next
While Read avoids prison time for the murder charges, she will serve probation for the DUI conviction. The case has raised significant questions about police conduct and investigative procedures that will likely be debated for years to come.
Opinion: A Case That Exposed Deep Divisions
The Karen Read trial became about much more than one tragic death – it exposed deep divisions in how people view law enforcement and the justice system. While the jury’s decision provides legal closure, the passionate reactions on both sides show this case tapped into broader societal tensions. The prosecution’s failure to secure a conviction despite significant resources suggests either reasonable doubt about Read’s guilt or potential flaws in the investigation. Either way, the case serves as a reminder that high-profile trials often become lightning rods for larger debates about justice, privilege, and institutional power in America.
