Karen Read Acquitted Murder Faces Civil Wrongful Death Suit

Karen Read was acquitted of murder and manslaughter charges in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, but was convicted of operating under the influence and sentenced to one year probation. Despite the criminal case closure, Read faces a civil wrongful death lawsuit filed by O’Keefe’s family, which accuses her and two Canton bars of negligently serving alcohol to an intoxicated person and causing O’Keefe’s death. The civil suit also alleges that Read caused severe emotional distress, particularly to O’Keefe’s niece, whom she reportedly traumatized on the night of the incident. The family seeks at least $50,000 in damages, and the lower burden of proof in civil court means the case can proceed independently of the criminal verdict. The case has drawn significant public attention, with comparisons to the O.J. Simpson trial and sparking debate about law enforcement investigations. Legal experts emphasize the difference in standards between criminal and civil trials, highlighting the ongoing legal challenges for Read despite her criminal acquittal.