Karen Read, a US woman charged with running over her police officer boyfriend and leaving him for dead in a snowbank, has been found not guilty of second-degree murder in a case that gripped true-crime fans nationwide. The jury also found her not guilty of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and leaving the scene of the collision in January 2022. But she was convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol (OUI). Her July 2024 trial stemming from the death of Boston police officer John O'Keefe collapsed after the jury was unable to reach a verdict. She again pleaded not guilty in the retrial, with her lawyers arguing she was being framed for Mr O'Keefe's death. As the verdict was read out, a loud cheer could be heard from outside the Massachusetts courthouse where a large crowd had gathered, many wearing pink to show support for Ms Read. She hugged her defence attorneys and cried. Outside court, Ms Read was greeted by loud cheers as she thanked supporters. "No one has fought harder for justice for John O'Keefe than I have," she said in a brief statement. Prosecutors and Ms Read's attorneys agreed to a one-year probation order for the intoxication charge. It means Ms Read will avoid prison time. The crowd outside chanted "Free Karen Read" and made "I love you" signs. Some waved US flags and sang God Bless America. Ms Read's trial has generated intense public interest, spawning a TV show and upcoming Netflix documentary. Her father William thanked "all the content providers who helped spread the word". Aidan "Turtleboy" Kearny, a blogger who has publicised the case, told NBC10 local news that the verdict was "a surreal emotional experience". "To finally hear those words: 'not guilty', I have been dreaming about this... It was a happy ending." Ms Read, 44, worked as an adjunct professor at Bentley University and an equity analyst at Fidelity Investments. She and Mr O'Keefe were together for about two years before his 2022 death, but the latter part of the pair's relationship was troubled, prosecutors argued. Mr O'Keefe, who died at age 46, spent 16 years with the Boston Police Department.
US woman found not guilty of murdering her police officer boyfriend
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Karen Read Acquitted of Murder Charges in Death of Boston Police Officer"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Karen Read, a Massachusetts woman charged with the death of her police officer boyfriend, John O'Keefe, has been acquitted of second-degree murder and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. The jury's decision was reached after a retrial, during which Read maintained her innocence, asserting that she was being framed for the incident that occurred in January 2022. The case had captivated true-crime enthusiasts across the nation, and upon hearing the not guilty verdict, supporters outside the courthouse erupted in cheers. Read's emotional response included hugging her defense team and expressing gratitude to her supporters, emphasizing her commitment to seeking justice for O'Keefe. Although she was convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, the agreement between prosecutors and her attorneys allowed her to avoid prison time through a one-year probation order.
The relationship between Read and O'Keefe, who served for 16 years with the Boston Police Department before his tragic death at age 46, was characterized by challenges, particularly in the later stages. The public's interest in the case has led to the development of a television show and an upcoming Netflix documentary. Read, who works as an adjunct professor and equity analyst, expressed her relief and joy at the verdict, with supporters chanting her name and waving flags in celebration. The emotional weight of the trial was echoed by local bloggers and supporters, who described the verdict as a surreal moment. Read’s father also acknowledged the role of media in raising awareness about the case, highlighting the significant public engagement surrounding the trial and its aftermath.
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