Karen Read has been found not guilty of murder in the death of her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, a Boston police officer. The verdict came after a second trial, where jurors agreed with the defense that no collision occurred between Read’s vehicle and O’Keefe. The incident took place on January 29, 2022, during a snowstorm, and prosecutors claimed Read struck O’Keefe with her Lexus SUV and left him to die. The jury, however, only convicted her of drunken driving.
The case has attracted significant attention, especially due to the actions of Read’s supporters. Special prosecutor Hank Brennan expressed concern over the behavior of some of these supporters, warning that their actions could undermine the justice system. He mentioned that a campaign of intimidation and abuse against witnesses has been ongoing, which he described as harmful to the integrity of the judicial process.
One of Read’s prominent supporters, Aidan Kearney, known as Turtleboy, is currently facing charges related to witness intimidation. This has raised alarms about the potential for harassment of witnesses and their families, even after the trial’s conclusion.
Following the verdict, Read’s defense team highlighted that they believed the prosecution lost the case due to a lack of evidence. They argued that the prosecution’s narrative did not hold up under scrutiny. Despite the acquittal, Brennan expressed disappointment, stating that he felt justice was not served for O’Keefe and his family.
In the aftermath of the trial, Read’s supporters remain active. Some have even targeted witnesses, with one witness’s wedding details being shared online, prompting concerns for their safety. Read’s parents have been vocal in their support, emphasizing their daughter’s innocence and thanking those who stood by her during the trial.
As the legal battles continue, the O’Keefe family has not publicly commented on the latest developments. The case has raised many questions about the relationship between public opinion and the legal process, especially in high-profile trials.