Karen Read Murder Trial

Karen Read Murder Trial: Key Updates from the Norfolk Courtroom

The second trial of Karen Read is currently taking place at Norfolk Superior Court in Massachusetts. Read is accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, by striking him with her SUV in January 2022 and leaving him to die outside a house party in Canton. She faces serious charges, including second-degree murder, manslaughter while driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of a crash.

Trial Proceedings

The retrial began on April 1, with jury selection completed after screening over 500 potential jurors. Opening statements kicked off on April 22, followed by the first witness being called. The defense team argues that Read is the victim of a police conspiracy and claims that O'Keefe was fatally beaten by another law enforcement officer at the party, not struck by her SUV.

How to Follow the Trial

NBC10 Boston is offering full coverage of the trial, including daily livestreams and updates. You can watch the proceedings live on NBC10 Boston's YouTube channel, streaming platform, or their website. The trial is also being broadcast on NECN and the NBC10 Boston app for those who want to stay up to date on the developments.

Background of the Case

The first trial ended in a mistrial after the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. This retrial has drawn significant public attention, sparking ongoing debates about law enforcement accountability and the handling of the case.

For detailed updates and continuous coverage, be sure to check the latest on the trial through NBC Boston’s platforms.

FAQ

Karen Read is accused of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence, and leaving the scene of a crash. Prosecutors allege that she struck her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, with her SUV in January 2022 and left him to die outside a house party in Canton, Massachusetts.

The first trial ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury. The jury could not reach a unanimous verdict on the charges, leading to the decision to retry the case. The retrial began on April 1, 2025, with opening statements commencing on April 22, 2025.

The defense contends that Karen Read is a victim of a police conspiracy. They argue that O'Keefe was fatally beaten by another law enforcement officer at the party, and that Read is being framed for his death.

The prosecution is being led by Hank Brennan, a former defense attorney known for his involvement in high-profile cases. He was appointed as the special prosecutor for this retrial.

The trial is being livestreamed by several news outlets, including NBC10 Boston and CBS News Boston. You can watch the proceedings live through their websites or streaming platforms. Additionally, daily updates and analyses are available on various news websites covering the case.