Who is Karen Read? Everything You Need To Know

Who is Karen Read?

Karen Read is a 44-year-old equity analyst at Fidelity Investments who is currently on trial for the alleged murder of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe. She maintains her innocence, claiming that law enforcement officials are conspiring to frame her for O'Keefe's death.

The trial, taking place at Norfolk Superior Court, has entered its seventh week and is expected to conclude later this month.

Karen Read Case Summary

Karen A. Read is involved in a legal case following the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, on January 29, 2022, in Canton, Massachusetts. O'Keefe was found dead outside a house after attending a gathering. Initial investigations suggested he died from injuries and exposure to cold.

Karen Read was arrested on February 1, 2022, accused of hitting O'Keefe with her SUV and leaving him. She has been charged with serious crimes including second-degree murder. However, she denies these accusations, saying she didn't harm O'Keefe and claims she's being wrongly accused.

The case has been through several court hearings. Read pleaded not guilty and was released on bail. The trial is happening in Norfolk County Superior Court. There have been arguments from both sides about the evidence and how the trial should proceed.

The case has attracted a lot of attention because of the serious charges and because of questions about how the investigation was handled. It's still ongoing, with developments and new information being discussed in court.

What Happened To John O'Keefe?

John O'Keefe tragically passed away on January 29, 2022, after being found unresponsive outside a home in Canton, Massachusetts. His death was attributed to blunt force trauma and hypothermia. O'Keefe, a dedicated Boston police officer with 16 years of service, had been dropped off at the home by his girlfriend, Karen A. Read, earlier that morning to attend a gathering hosted by fellow officer Brian Albert. Despite efforts to revive him, O'Keefe was pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton.

Karen Read Trial Schedule

Karen Read's trial has been progressing through several important stages:

Charges and Court Appearance (February 2, 2022)

Karen Read appeared in Stoughton District Court where she faced charges including manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident, and causing death with a vehicle. She pleaded not guilty and was released on bail of $80,000.

Formal Accusation (June 2022)

A grand jury in Norfolk County formally charged Karen Read with second-degree murder, manslaughter involving a vehicle, and leaving the scene of a crash.

Where and Who's in Charge

The trial is happening at Norfolk County Superior Court, overseen by Judge Beverly J. Cannone.

Legal Teams

Prosecution: Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey and Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally are leading the case.

Defense: Karen Read's defense team includes attorneys David R. Yannetti, Alan Jackson, and Elizabeth Little, who work together at a law firm based in Los Angeles.

Important Legal Moves and Court Decisions

On March 12, 2024, Karen Read's lawyers asked for the case to be dismissed, claiming there were conflicts of interest and that experts didn't agree on how John O’Keefe was hurt. The judge said no to this on March 26.

In early April 2024, the prosecutors asked for special rules for the trial. This included keeping protesters a certain distance away from the courthouse to make sure the jury wasn't influenced. The judge agreed to a 200-foot area.

Trial Dates

The trial was supposed to start in March 2024 but was moved to April. It finally started on April 16, 2024.

By April 24, 2024, the jury was chosen.

First Talks in Court (April 28, 2024)

The prosecutors talked first in court. They shared evidence that they said shows Karen Read did something wrong.

Karen Read's lawyers then talked. They said Karen Read is being set up, and they talked about other things that could have happened, like an incident at a police officer's home.

People Talking in Court

People who know John O'Keefe, like his family, and people who were there when he died, like police officers and paramedics, have all talked in court.

Witnesses from places like bars and the house party where things happened also talked.

The trial is still going on, and both sides are still showing proof and having people talk to help their cases