Karen Read may have been found not guilty of murder — but Massachusetts police aren’t taking the blame for anything.
Just days after a jury acquitted Read of killing Boston police officer John O’Keefe, the State Police Association of Massachusetts is pushing back hard against claims they framed her.
In a fiery statement released Saturday, the association says it stands by the investigation “100%” — insisting everything was done “by the book,” even as public criticism continues to grow.
“We accept the jury’s decision,” they wrote. “But the idea that our officers did anything improper is baseless.”
Cops Say They’re Under Attack — “Baseless Accusations” Everywhere
The statement, which stops just short of naming Read’s legal team, slams what it calls “numerous attacks and accusations” aimed at Massachusetts State Police officers.
“This case has been scrutinized by our own Internal Affairs and the FBI,” the statement reads. “There’s no cover-up.”
The police union says their officers have been unfairly vilified in the court of public opinion — and they’re done staying quiet.
Read’s Defense Said She Was Framed — Jury Believed Her
Karen Read, a former financial analyst, was accused of running over her boyfriend John O’Keefe outside a house party in January 2022 — then driving away.
But her legal team flipped the script, claiming O’Keefe was killed by his own friends at the party and that local law enforcement conspired to pin it on her. The defense painted a picture of small-town corruption, backdoor police relationships, and planted evidence.
And guess what? The jury believed it.
Not Guilty on Murder, Manslaughter, and Leaving the Scene
On Wednesday, the verdict dropped:
- ❌ Not guilty of second-degree murder
- ❌ Not guilty of manslaughter while operating under the influence
- ❌ Not guilty of leaving the scene of an accident causing death
- ✅ Guilty only of misdemeanor OUI (Operating Under the Influence)
Read will now serve one year of probation — but she’s officially cleared of killing O’Keefe.
“This wasn’t just reasonable doubt,” one juror told TMZ.
“I genuinely believe Karen Read didn’t do it.”
Victim’s Friends Fire Back — “We’re Not Caricatures”
In an emotional interview with ABC’s Nightline, members of the Albert and McCabe families — whose home O’Keefe was last seen near — denied any involvement in his death.
“We’ve been turned into cartoon villains,” one said. “None of it is true.”
But the damage may already be done. Online, both families have been relentlessly targeted by Read supporters, some of whom believe they’ve uncovered a real-life “Blue Wall of Silence.”
Mass State Police: “We’re Not Backing Down”
Despite the firestorm, Massachusetts State Police are doubling down.
“We stand by the investigation. Period,” the statement concludes.
Their message is clear: the jury may have let Karen Read walk, but that doesn’t mean they’ll take the fall for botched police work — because they don’t believe any was done.
A Retrial? Civil Lawsuit? What’s Next?
While Read’s legal battle may be over — at least criminally — the drama is far from finished.
Sources close to the case tell TPR that civil lawsuits may be in the works, and investigations into police conduct are already being discussed in political circles.
And online? The Karen Read case has become a TikTok rabbit hole, with influencers, former cops, and citizen sleuths still posting daily.
💬 What do YOU believe? Was Karen Read framed — or is this just true crime fiction?
👀 Sound off in the comments and follow #KarenReadCase to keep up with every twist, reaction, and legal fallout.
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