After being acquitted of murder in the case of her ex-boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, Karen Read shared her experiences of life post-trial. Speaking on the ‘Today’ show, Read mentioned that she often receives positive responses from the public.
Responding to host Craig Melvin’s question about public perception, Read noted she hasn’t encountered negativity. ‘Wherever I go—the grocery store, restaurants, I don’t pay for meals. My parents even receive help with groceries,’ she explained. She highlighted the strong support she witnessed during her trial in Dedham.
Despite the public’s positive reception, Read’s professional challenges continue. Her license remains suspended, and she is currently unemployed. ‘I’m focused on the case, and we’ve hired civil lawyers to handle its complexities,’ she added.
Prosecutors took her to trial twice regarding the January 2022 incident where O’Keefe was found dead. They alleged Read hit him with her SUV during a blizzard. A lead detective involved faced misconduct allegations, leading to his dismissal.
Read’s first trial ended in a deadlock, while the second acquitted her of murder, convicting her only of drunken driving. Currently, she is pursuing a lawsuit against the Massachusetts State Police and the Canton Police Department. Her attorney, Alan Jackson, emphasized the purpose is to reveal ‘institutional corruption’ in law enforcement.
Read also faces a wrongful death lawsuit from O’Keefe’s family but opted not to comment on them during her interview. She expressed that she was caring with them during her relationship with O’Keefe in their 20s.