People gathered outside the courthouse to celebrate Karen Read’s not guilty verdict in a high-profile case involving the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. The verdict was announced after a lengthy trial that included 30 days of testimony and four days of jury deliberation. Read was found not guilty of second-degree murder but was convicted of operating a vehicle while under the influence.
The incident occurred on January 29, 2022, during a blizzard. O’Keefe was found dead in the snow, and prosecutors claimed Read was driving drunk when she hit him. Witnesses testified that Read seemed panicked when she called friends, saying O’Keefe was missing. Some reported hearing her say, "I hit him." Defense attorneys argued that O’Keefe’s injuries were due to a dog attack or an altercation at a party they had attended earlier that night.
During the trial, former Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor, who led the investigation, faced scrutiny for his conduct. An internal review revealed he had made derogatory comments about Read and shared sensitive information. Proctor denied any wrongdoing and claimed he was simply expressing frustration in private messages.
After the verdict, special prosecutor Hank Brennan requested that Read undergo a year of probation and a 24D outpatient program, which is standard for first-time DUI offenses. The case has prompted the Massachusetts State Police to implement new policies aimed at improving oversight and accountability.
As the trial concluded, Read’s defense team maintained that she never struck O’Keefe, while the prosecution painted a different picture. The jury’s decision reflects the complexities of the case and the challenges in proving intent in such tragic circumstances.