The highly anticipated second murder trial of Karen Read is set to commence, drawing significant national attention and sparking discussions on police accountability. The trial focuses on the tragic death of John O’Keefe, a Boston police officer, which occurred in 2022. Read faces accusations of striking O’Keefe with her SUV and leaving him to succumb to the harsh winter conditions outside a house party in Canton, Massachusetts, a suburb located approximately 20 miles south of Boston. The charges against her include second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence, and leaving the scene of an accident.
The initial trial, held last year, ended in a mistrial after the jury was unable to reach a verdict. Prosecutors in that trial argued that Read deliberately reversed her vehicle into O’Keefe after dropping him off at the party, only to return later and find him deceased. In contrast, the defense claimed that Read was framed as part of a larger police conspiracy, suggesting that O’Keefe was actually beaten to death by another law enforcement officer present at the party.
As the new trial begins, supporters of Karen Read have gathered outside the courthouse, displaying a strong sense of camaraderie and determination. Among them is Ashlyn Wade, a resident of Canton, who expressed her hope for Read’s exoneration, stating her desire for justice to prevail. Dennis Sweeney, another supporter, attended dressed as the trial’s judge and wearing a T-shirt that read “assassin,” inspired by Read’s defense team. He reiterated his belief in Read’s innocence and voiced his wish for her release.