Karen Read reacts in court after being found not guilty. BBC
Karen Read, 44, has been found not guilty of murder in a case that shocked many across the US. She was accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, by hitting him with her SUV and leaving him in the snow.
After days of deliberation, the jury cleared her of second-degree murder, manslaughter while drunk, and fleeing the scene. However, they found her guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Emotional courtroom reaction
Cheers erupted outside the Massachusetts courthouse when the not-guilty verdict was announced. Many people had gathered wearing pink clothes to show support for Read. Inside the courtroom, she hugged her lawyers and wept.
“I fought for justice for John O’Keefe,” she said as she walked out of court, cheered by a crowd waving flags and making “I love you” signs in American Sign Language.
Read’s father thanked the online community who followed and supported the case.
Public interest and controversy
This case caught huge attention online and in the media. It inspired a TV show, podcasts, and an upcoming documentary.
Blogger Aidan “Turtleboy” Kearney, a vocal supporter of Read, celebrated the verdict outside the courthouse. He said hearing “not guilty” was an emotional moment. Kearney, however, faces his own legal issues tied to witness tampering.
Conflicting claims in court
Prosecutors said Read was drunk and angry at O’Keefe after a fight. They claimed she ran over him and left him to die in a snowstorm outside a fellow officer’s home.
Read’s defense team told a very different story. They said O’Keefe was attacked inside the house, bitten by a dog, and dumped outside. They insisted Read was framed by corrupt officers.
What the jury decided
The jury took four days to decide the outcome. They believed Read was not guilty of causing O’Keefe’s death.
The one charge they upheld—driving under the influence—means she will serve one year on probation but will avoid jail time.
Reactions to the verdict
O’Keefe’s family left court without comment. However, some witnesses said the verdict was unjust and claimed the trial was clouded by lies and conspiracy theories.
State prosecutor Lili Prévost-Gravel said she still believes Read is a danger to the public.
Background
Karen Read worked as a university professor and financial analyst. She had dated O’Keefe for two years, but their relationship had become tense. O’Keefe, 46, had served with Boston police for 16 years before his death.
With the trial now over, the case continues to spark debate and strong emotions on both sides.
