A look into Karen Read’s case after she was acquitted of John O’Keefe’s death

On February 1, 2022, Read was arrested and initially charged with manslaughter, motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death. She pleaded not guilty to the charges in Stoughton District Court the next day.

Subsequently, on June 10, 2022, a Norfolk County grand jury indicted her on charges of second-degree murder, leaving the scene of personal injury and death, and manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol.

During the first trial, which officially began in April 2024, prosecutors consistently alleged that O’Keefe and Read had a troubled relationship. They also claimed she deliberately hit him with her car before driving away and leaving him in the snow.

Several pieces of evidence were presented during the trial, including McCabe calling “hos [how] long to die in the cold” on the day of O’Keefe’s death, Read’s alleged confession when they found his body, and the broken taillight.

Prosecutors also said O’Keefe died after being hit by Read’s SUV, though the defense accused police of beating him and scapegoating his girlfriend.

The Public Prosecution Service and the defense rested their cases on June 21, 2024 and June 24, 2024 respectively. Meanwhile, the jury began deliberations on June 25, 2024, after delivering closing arguments.

But on July 1, 2024, Judge Beverly Cannone declared a mistrial because the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict.

“Despite our rigorous efforts, we are at an impasse,” Cannone read the note aloud. “The deep divisions are not due to a lack of attention, but to strict adherence to our personal beliefs and moral compasses. Continuing consultations would be futile.”

The Norfolk District Attorney’s office stated it would retry the case after announcing the mistrial.