Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 8, 2024 3:23 am GMT
Karen Read Breaks Silence on Trial for the Death of Officer John O’Keefe
Karen Read, a 44-year-old woman from Massachusetts, has publicly addressed her upcoming retrial for the alleged murder of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, who was found dead in January 2022. In an exclusive interview with ABC’s “20/20,” scheduled to air this Friday, Read detailed her assertion of innocence in the case, which has drawn significant media attention and community involvement.
Key Details of the Case
John O’Keefe, 46, was discovered deceased outside a fellow officer’s home during severe winter weather on the night of January 28, 2022. Read has been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle under the influence, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Following a two-month trial this past summer that concluded with a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury, Read is now preparing for her retrial, set to commence on January 27, 2025.
In her interview, Read described the night of O’Keefe’s death, recalling a series of events that she claims have been misrepresented by authorities. She stated that the couple had been out drinking before she dropped him off at a cop’s house and subsequently returned home to sleep.
Claims of a Cover-Up
During the interview, Read accused law enforcement of a cover-up regarding the true circumstances of O’Keefe’s death. She told ABC News, “I jumped out the passenger side and fell into the street. His eyes were shut, and he had spots of blood in different areas on his face. It was just an odd feeling to know that I’m OK, but he’s here with me, and he’s dying.” Read’s defense has argued that O’Keefe was actually murdered inside the home where he had last been seen, claiming she is being unfairly treated as a “convenient outsider.”
Read alleges investigators overlooked key evidence and what she sees as inconsistencies in how the case has been handled. She expressed skepticism about why a cover-up would occur, stating, “Because he’s dead.”
The Night of O’Keefe’s Death
Accounts of the fateful night include Read and O’Keefe socializing at local bars and a subsequent invitation to a friend’s home. According to Read, she felt fatigued, drove home after dropping O’Keefe off, and later awoke to find he had not returned home, leading her to initiate a search. She recounted her immense dread during this time, expressing concerns that he might have been struck by a snowplow.
Ultimately, she and friends discovered O’Keefe’s body in a snowbank near the residence and attempted to perform CPR until emergency services arrived. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the hospital due to hypothermia and blunt force injuries sustained earlier that night.
Legal Proceedings and Reactions
Read was arraigned shortly after being charged and has consistently pleaded not guilty. Her legal team has worked to present an alternative narrative of events, suggesting that O’Keefe’s death was the result of foul play unrelated to her actions. The prosecution, however, maintains that Read’s intoxication was a key factor, noting that she had reportedly consumed several alcoholic drinks before the incident, with blood tests indicating a blood alcohol content near the legal limit for driving at the time of testing.
Throughout the trial, community support for Read grew, drawing comparisons between her situation and historical movements, such as protests against the Vietnam War. In addressing her supporters, Read stated, “You’re brave. You would’ve protested the Vietnam War and ended it. And this is the modern equivalent to that.”
Impact on Families and Community
The tragedy has deeply affected both families involved, with O’Keefe’s relatives expressing their desire for justice as they continue to grapple with his untimely death. Friends and family members characterized O’Keefe as a beloved figure, deeply committed to his role in law enforcement and a cherished member of his family.
John O’Keefe’s friends remember him fondly, noting his kindness and dedication as a police officer for over 16 years. His death left a significant void in their lives, and many expressed frustration over the lack of closure that has come with the ongoing legal processes.
Next Steps and Community Response
Read’s retrial is set to begin in early 2025, and both parties are expected to prepare extensively based on lessons learned from the first trial. As the case continues to develop, residents of Canton and the wider Massachusetts area remain heavily engaged, with many expressing strong opinions regarding the proceedings via social media and at public gatherings.
The outcome of the upcoming trial could set a significant precedent in how similar cases are perceived and prosecuted, especially when issues of intoxication and violence intersect within a law enforcement context.
The community is waiting to hear more news, and everyone is focused on making sure that justice is served for everyone affected by this difficult and sad situation.
