Karen Read Acquitted Of Murder — But Legal And Personal Battles Continue

 

Karen Read walked down the steps of the Norfolk County Superior Court on Wednesday no longer accused of murder — a free woman met by a jubilant crowd of supporters, pink confetti, and emotional embraces. After years of intense public scrutiny and two criminal trials, Read was acquitted of killing her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe. However, the story is far from over.

While the jury cleared her of murder, they did find her guilty of operating under the influence. She was sentenced to one year of probation and must complete a driver alcohol education program, which includes a license suspension of up to 90 days under Massachusetts law.

Civil Suit Still Pending

Read’s acquittal does not shield her from further legal action. O’Keefe’s family has filed a civil wrongful death lawsuit, alleging that her reckless behavior caused his death. The suit, paused during her criminal trial, also names two bars — C.F. McCarthy’s and the Waterfall Bar and Grill — claiming they served Read alcohol while she was already intoxicated. Both establishments deny the claims.

The lawsuit also accuses Read of inflicting emotional distress on O’Keefe’s niece, alleging she woke the girl in the middle of the night to tell her something had happened to her uncle. The O’Keefe family is seeking $50,000 in damages.

Read, who has spoken publicly and participated in a documentary about the case, says her comments are “her testimony.” Her legal team declined to comment on the ongoing civil litigation.

An Unresolved Death

Though Read is no longer on trial for O’Keefe’s death, his killer remains officially unidentified. Her attorney, David Yannetti, said outside court, “They charged the wrong person. But somebody’s still out there.”

The Norfolk District Attorney’s office offered no new comment, saying only, “The jury has spoken.”

Federal investigators had also reviewed the case, but that probe closed without charges. Read’s defense team, however, questions whether that closure was final or transparent. “I've never heard of an investigative agency announcing to the target that the investigation is closed,” said attorney Alan Jackson, suggesting there may be more for authorities to uncover.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts State Police announced plans to strengthen oversight and training in the aftermath of the case, acknowledging public concern and promising reforms.

Health and Financial Struggles

Beyond the courtroom, Read is dealing with personal and financial hurdles. She has publicly shared that she lives with Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis — chronic illnesses that impacted her trial schedule. At least one day of testimony was postponed due to a health-related absence.

Her defense has come at a steep cost. Vanity Fair reported that Read spent over $1.2 million on her first trial alone, including private investigators, expert witnesses, and legal fees. Prior to her second trial, she was reportedly facing $5 million in deferred legal bills.

A legal defense fund for Read has raised more than $1 million, with donations still coming in. Speaking from the courthouse steps after her acquittal, she thanked her supporters for standing by her financially and emotionally.

A Community Divided

What began as a homicide case soon became a cultural flashpoint in Canton, Massachusetts. Allegations of law enforcement misconduct and community mistrust polarized residents. Many believed Read was framed as part of a broader cover-up involving individuals at a party O’Keefe attended the night he died.

The Canton Police have denied any such conspiracy. “Investigators found absolutely no evidence of a cover-up,” said Chief Helena Rafferty. She acknowledged public mistrust, adding, “The first step in bridging that trust gap is effective and healthy communication.”

Town officials also recognized the toll the case has taken. “The trial’s outcome may bring a sense of relief to some and continue to raise questions for others,” said Select Board Chair John McCourt in a public statement. “We encourage members of the community to move forward together.”

National Spotlight and a Netflix Series

The public fascination with the case isn’t going away. On the day of Read’s verdict, Netflix announced a new documentary series exploring the events leading up to O’Keefe’s death.

As Read steps out of the courthouse and into an uncertain future, she does so amid legal challenges, a groundswell of grassroots support, and the continuing glare of national attention. Whether vindicated or vilified, she remains at the center of a story that is still unfolding.