In a verdict that’s already sparking nationwide debate, Karen Read — the Massachusetts woman accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend John O’Keefe — has just been found not guilty of murder.
After more than two years of headlines, mistrials, and courtroom twists, the jury reached its decision Wednesday, clearing Read of all major charges related to O’Keefe’s death in January 2022.
The only charge she was convicted of?
Operating Under the Influence (OUI) — a misdemeanor that carries one year of probation.
The Charges and the Shocking Turnaround
Karen Read, 45, had faced a stack of serious charges, including:
- Second-degree murder
- Manslaughter while operating under the influence
- Leaving the scene of an accident causing injury or death
But after a months-long retrial, a jury of seven women and five men delivered their verdict: not guilty on all major counts.
What Really Happened That Snowy Night?
According to prosecutors, on the night of January 28, 2022, Read allegedly had a drunken argument with O’Keefe, then struck him with her SUV while reversing — ultimately leaving him to die in a friend’s snow-covered yard in Canton, Massachusetts.
But Read and her defense team have consistently denied the story.
They claimed she was framed — and that O’Keefe got into a violent altercation with fellow officers, who then pinned the blame on her.
The case became one of the most watched trials in recent Massachusetts history, with online true-crime communities and conspiracy theorists closely following every turn.
A Mistrial, a Retrial, and a Final Verdict
This wasn’t Read’s first time in court.
Her original trial ended in a mistrial in July 2024, when jurors deadlocked 9-3 on one of the charges. That hung jury left the public divided — some convinced of her guilt, others certain she was a scapegoat.
The retrial began in April 2025 and concluded with final arguments last Friday. After a full day of deliberation Monday and continued discussion through Wednesday, the jury rendered its dramatic decision.
Karen Read Speaks Out: “I’ve Always Maintained My Innocence”
Throughout the ordeal, Karen Read insisted she was innocent — emotionally stating in court:
“I’ve always told the truth. I didn’t do this.”
Her defense strategy? Flip the script.
They alleged O’Keefe — a beloved officer with deep ties to the local police community — got into a violent “cop fight” with fellow officers that night, and that the thin blue line protected its own by framing Karen.
📺 Courtroom Confusion & High-Drama Moments
As the verdict was read, tension rippled through the courtroom. Mixed emotions, audible gasps, and confusion led to a dramatic scene captured by CourtTV and social platforms.
Some saw justice finally served. Others are calling it a massive miscarriage of justice.
Regardless of where the public falls, one thing’s clear: the case isn’t just over — it’s now part of true crime history.
True Crime Fans Are Eating This Up
TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube are already flooded with reactions, theories, and timelines. The hashtags #KarenRead, #OkeefeCase, and #BostonMurderTrial are trending.
Expect this case to become a full-blown Netflix docuseries in the near future — complete with frame-ups, romance, betrayal, and a snowy night that changed everything.
Quick Recap:
- Karen Read acquitted of murder, manslaughter & leaving the scene
- Only convicted of misdemeanor DUI (1 year probation)
- Prosecution claimed she ran over boyfriend John O’Keefe in 2022
- Defense says she was framed by fellow officers
- Retrial followed a 2024 mistrial
- Verdict reached by jury on June 18, 2025
TPR Wants to Know:
Was justice served?
Do you believe Karen Read was framed — or did the jury get it wrong?
Sound off in the comments and follow The Pop Radar (TPR) for exclusive courtroom updates, verdict breakdowns, and true crime drama that keeps you up at night. 🧠⚖️🔥
