New court filings reveal that Karen Read’s statements outside of court, which have been featured in true-crime TV shows, will be crucial in her upcoming second murder trial related to the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe. The accusations against Read involve her allegedly hitting O’Keefe with her Lexus SUV and leaving him to perish during a blizzard in January 2022. Following an argument that morning, the pair had been drinking together for hours and were reportedly involved in a confrontation outside another officer’s residence where a gathering was taking place. Despite pleading not guilty, the jury could not reach a verdict in her initial trial, paving the way for a retrial. Defense attorney Hank Brennan, who took over the case after the first trial ended in a mistrial, has sought unreleased transcripts of Read’s interviews where she shared her version of events. Prosecutors claim that Read made various statements to witnesses, medical personnel, family members, and journalists, as well as recorded statements on O’Keefe’s phone, ranging from her immediate reactions surrounding his death to crafted narratives months and years later. Read garnered attention with public interviews post the hung jury verdict, insinuating she was being set up for O’Keefe’s death by his law enforcement peers. Critics, including the fired lead investigator’s relatives, view Read’s media appearances as a propaganda tactic to divert focus from the evidence against her. Discovery disclosures show that Read’s defense team has received materials such as TV show episodes, interview transcripts, and expert witness resumes. Both the prosecution and defense have agreed not to call upon a Boston Magazine editor as a witness, although her reporting may be presented during the trial.
Karen Read is seeking to have two of the three charges against her dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court. She argues that the jury in her first trial did not reach a verdict on those charges. If convicted, she could face life in prison on the remaining charge. Jury selection is ongoing, with two spots remaining to be filled. The case has been highlighted in Karen Read’s true-crime documentaries.
