Trial of Karen Read Grips Boston Suburb: Did She Murder Her Boyfriend or Was She Framed?

Dedham, Mass., June 26, 2024 (AP) – A gripping trial has unfolded in a Boston suburb, where Karen Read stands accused of killing her police officer boyfriend, John O’Keefe. The central question looms large: Did Read intentionally run him over with her Lexus after a night of drinking, or was O’Keefe involved in an altercation with fellow officers, who then framed Read to cover up their actions?

The Key Players

Read, a 44-year-old former equity analyst and adjunct professor, had been dating O’Keefe, a 16-year veteran of the Boston Police Department. The couple had spent the night bar-hopping with another officer, Brian Albert, and a federal agent, Brian Higgins, at Albert’s home in Canton.

The Charges

Read faces serious charges, including second-degree murder, which carries a potential life sentence. She is also charged with manslaughter while operating under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

Evidence and Conflicting Narratives

The prosecution’s case rests on pieces of Read’s broken taillight found at the scene, a single hair from O’Keefe on her SUV’s bumper, and her alleged statements to first responders claiming she hit him. They also point to angry voicemails she left for O’Keefe and question her lack of visible grief after his death.

However, Read’s defense team paints a different picture. They argue that the evidence was planted and that O’Keefe was likely beaten by Higgins, who had shown interest in Read. The defense claims the officers involved panicked and tried to cover up their actions, framing Read for the murder.

Questions About the Investigation

The case has raised serious concerns about the conduct of the investigating officers. Lead investigator Michael Proctor, who had personal connections to the individuals involved, reportedly made disparaging remarks about Read and joked about the case in text messages. The defense also highlights sloppy police work, including an unsecured crime scene, deleted search histories, and destroyed phones.

Public Interest and “Sidewalk Jury”

The trial has garnered significant attention from true crime enthusiasts and those skeptical of the police narrative. A group of Read supporters, calling themselves the “sidewalk jury,” has gathered outside the courthouse daily, dressed in pink (Read’s favorite color) and eagerly awaiting a verdict.

As the jury deliberates, the question remains: Is Karen Read a killer, or is she a victim of a police cover-up? The outcome of this trial will have profound implications for all involved and will likely continue to generate public debate.