Case of Karen Read Explained: John O’Keefe’s Death and Acquittal of Second-Degree Murder
On February 1, 2022, Karen Read was arrested and charged with manslaughter, motor vehicle homicide, and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident causing death. She pleaded not guilty to the charges in Stoughton District Court the next day.
However, the case took a dramatic turn on June 10, 2022, when a Norfolk County grand jury indicted Read 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 trial, which began in April 2024, prosecutors alleged that O’Keefe and Read had a troubled relationship. They claimed that Read intentionally hit O’Keefe with her car before driving away and leaving him in the snow.
Key pieces of evidence presented included McCabe’s Google search for “how long to die in cold” on the day of O’Keefe’s death, Read’s alleged confession when his body was found, and a broken taillight on her SUV.
Prosecutors argued that O’Keefe died as a result of being hit by Read’s vehicle. In contrast, the defense accused law enforcement of assaulting O’Keefe and using Read as a scapegoat.
Both the prosecution and defense rested their cases on June 21, 2024, and June 24, 2024, respectively. The jury began deliberations on June 25, 2024, following closing arguments.
However, on July 1, 2024, Judge Beverly Cannone declared a mistrial due to the jury’s inability to reach a unanimous verdict.
“Despite our rigorous efforts, we find ourselves at an impasse,” read Judge Cannone. “The deep division is not due to lack of consideration but to a severe adherence to our personal beliefs and moral compasses. To continue deliberating would be futile.”
Following the mistrial, the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office announced its intention to retry the case.
