Karen Read Case: Not Guilty of Murder, OUI Conviction Highlights Controversial Investigation
Karen Read Case: Not Guilty of Murder, OUI Conviction Highlights Controversial Investigation
Karen Read, a former equity analyst, was acquitted of second-degree murder and manslaughter charges in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe. A jury found her guilty of operating under the influence (OUI), resulting in a one-year probation sentence.
The case, marked by significant procedural irregularities, saw allegations that evidence was planted by law enforcement to protect a homeowner, Boston police officer Brian Albert, and lead investigator Michael Proctor. Proctor, since dishonorably discharged for misconduct related to the case (appeal pending), and Albert did not testify in the second trial.
Crucially, independent accident reconstruction experts, hired federally, concluded O’Keefe’s injuries were inconsistent with being struck by a vehicle, a finding corroborated by the state’s medical examiner’s testimony. Despite this, Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey pursued a second trial after the first ended in a hung jury.
The US Attorney’s Office investigated the case’s handling, closing its probe without public comment. Read’s legal team, including pro bono support, successfully argued her innocence of the murder charges, highlighting significant flaws in the prosecution’s case. A wrongful death lawsuit remains pending.
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