The Karen Read vehicular manslaughter saga captured national headlines as it raised complex questions about responsibility, evidence, and the reliability of prosecutions. At the center of the controversy is the tragic death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe and the prosecution’s claim that Karen Read struck him with her SUV, causing his death. Her case involved multiple trials, intense forensic debates, and accusations of investigative misconduct. After years of legal struggle, Read was ultimately acquitted of the most serious charges, though she was convicted of operating under the influence (OUI) and given probation. The journey toward vindication was long and painful, marked by mistrial, retrial, and public scrutiny.
The Incident and Initial Charges
On January 29, 2022, John O’Keefe was found dead in the snow outside a Canton, Massachusetts residence after a night of drinking with Karen Read and others. Prosecutors alleged that Read hit him with her SUV and left the scene while intoxicated. She was arraigned in February 2022 on charges including manslaughter, motor vehicle homicide, and leaving the scene, and released on bail. A grand jury later indicted her on second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter, and hit-and-run charges in June of that year.
First Trial and Mistrial
In 2024, Read’s first trial began in Norfolk Superior Court. It ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury, reflecting deep divisions over the evidence presented. The prosecution claimed forensic data linked her SUV to O’Keefe’s injuries, while the defense disputed that a car collision occurred at all, proposing an alternate theory involving an assault inside the home.
Second Trial and Acquittal
Read’s second trial started in April 2025, featuring high-profile attorneys and new expert testimony. Prosecutors had asserted that her blood alcohol level potentially exceeded.20 at the time of the alleged collision, based on laboratory results taken hours later. The lead investigator, Trooper Michael Proctor, became a subject of controversy after text messages surfaced in which he disparaged Read and implied bias.
On June 18, 2025, after deliberating, the jury acquitted Read on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene. She was convicted solely of OUI and sentenced to one year probation. The verdict sparked scenes of relief among supporters and debate over investigative practices and prosecutorial decisions.
Key Evidentiary Issues in the Case
- Fragments of taillight from Read’s vehicle were found at the scene, though no blood or tissue was detected on them. The defense suggested they could have been planted or unrelated to O’Keefe’s injuries.
- A hair attributed to O’Keefe was recovered from the rear of Read’s SUV, but its persistence through snowy conditions raised questions.
- Medical expert testimony disputed that O’Keefe’s injuries were consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Instead, they theorized blunt force trauma, dog bites, and possible assault inside the house.
Defense Theory: Alleged Coverup
The defense presented a conspiracy narrative, alleging that O’Keefe was attacked inside the home and later placed in the snow. They accused certain law enforcement figures, including Proctor, of shielding others and constructing a false scene to frame Read. Public scrutiny increased after Proctor was fired, and investigators admitted to destroying phone evidence related to the case.
Public Reaction and Juror Perspective
The case drew intense media attention and a fervent truecrime following. One juror later revealed that although she initially leaned toward conviction, she changed her mind after reviewing discrepancies and lack of conclusive proof. Many jurors cited reasonable doubt and inconsistent testimony as deciding factors.
Aftermath and Ongoing Legal Battles
Following her acquittal, Read filed motions to recover her seized SUV and cellphone, items critical to her defense. Her legal team claims prosecutors have not returned these assets despite multiple requests.
Meanwhile, the O’Keefe family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Read and two Canton bars for allegedly overserving alcohol. That civil case remains pending, with proceedings stayed until criminal matters are resolved.
Significance and Broader Implications
The Karen Read case represents more than a criminal trial it raises broader questions about law enforcement integrity, prosecutorial discretion, and the standards of forensic examination. Critics argue the case reflects systemic issues in the Norfolk County District Attorney’s office, including high expenditure on trials, handling of evidence, and perceived institutional bias.
The Karen Read vehicular manslaughter proceedings illustrate how complex criminal cases involving alleged DUI fatalities can unfold over years and multiple trials. Her acquittal on major charges and conviction only for OUI underscore the importance of reasonable doubt, the reliability of forensic evidence, and the potential for systemic failures in investigations. While Read emerges legally exonerated of homicide, the ongoing civil litigation and public debate remain reminders of the case’s unresolved elements and human cost.