Karen Read Acquitted of Murder, Convicted DUI in Boston Officer Death

Karen Read was acquitted of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene in the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, but was convicted of driving under the influence. The jury foreman, speaking publicly for the first time, emphasized that the jury found no solid evidence proving Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV and maintained she was innocent from the start, with the burden on prosecution to prove guilt unmet. The defense argued that O’Keefe was fatally injured inside a party after being beaten by law enforcement officials, a theory supported by claims of a flawed investigation and a suspended lead investigator. Jurors noted the need to base their verdict strictly on evidence, avoiding personal opinions and speculation, and expressed reasonable doubt about Read's guilt. Prosecutors expressed disappointment in the verdict and criticized witness intimidation efforts linked to the case. While the jury foreman refrained from speculating on who was responsible for O’Keefe’s death, he acknowledged foul play but said no evidence pointed to Read’s involvement.