Karen Read Acquitted of Murder in Retrial; Faces Ongoing Legal Challenges
Karen Read was acquitted of murder charges in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, but convicted of OUI and faces a wrongful-death lawsuit.
Karen Read found not guilty of murder in retrial - Washington Examiner
Washington Examiner
Karen Read Found Not Guilty of Murder in Retrial
Rolling Stone
Overview
- Karen Read was acquitted of second-degree murder and all homicide-related charges after a retrial, thanks to her defense's focus on creating reasonable doubt.
- Despite her acquittal, Read was convicted of operating under the influence (OUI) and sentenced to one year of probation.
- O'Keefe's family has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Read and two bars, adding to her legal challenges following the acquittal.
- Read's supporters allege corruption in law enforcement and plan to file new lawsuits against investigators involved in her case.
- The case has garnered significant media attention, with multiple documentaries exploring the complexities surrounding the incident and allegations of a cover-up.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources present a nuanced view of Karen Read's case, emphasizing the legal complexities and the role of reasonable doubt in her acquittal. They highlight her conviction for drunken driving while maintaining a focus on the judicial process, reflecting a balanced perspective that acknowledges both the defense's strategy and the ongoing legal repercussions.
"Karen Read walked out of court a free woman after more than three years and two trials over the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe."
ABC News"Karen Read walked out of court a free woman after more than three years and two trials over the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe."
Associated Press"As Ms Read was found not guilty of murdering her Boston police officer boyfriend John O'Keefe in January 2022, they erupted in jubilant cheers."
BBC News"The investigation also found that he drank alcohol on duty and drove his cruiser."
NBC News"Cheers could be heard from outside the courthouse, where supporters of Read have gathered, while the verdict was being read."
ABC News"Several pieces of evidence in the case – and whether they incriminate Read – have come under debate in both the court of law and public opinion."
USA TODAY"As the verdict was read out, a loud cheer could be heard from outside the Massachusetts courthouse where a large crowd had gathered, many wearing pink to show support for Ms Read."
BBC News"Cheers erupted from outside the courthouse as the clerk read the charges shortly before 3 p.m. local time."
USA TODAY"While Read walked out of the courthouse, pink confetti was shot into the air above the crowd."
CBS News"Karen Read was found not guilty of second-degree murder and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death."
USA TODAY"The jury found Karen Read not guilty of second-degree murder Wednesday in the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend but guilty of a lesser charge of drunken driving."
ABC News"As the verdict was announced, Read smiled and embraced her defense team."
USA TODAY"A jury acquitted Karen Read of most charges, finding her guilty only of operating under the influence of alcohol during the retrial of her high-profile Massachusetts case."
CBS News"As she was cleared of the most serious charges, Read hugged her lawyers — as booming cheers could be heard from the crowd gathered outside."
NPR"The verdict in the polarizing and highly watched case comes nearly a year after a separate jury deadlocked over Read’s involvement in the January 2022 death of John O’Keefe and resulted in a judge declaring a mistrial."
Chicago Tribune"The verdict came on the fourth day of deliberations, after nearly two months of testimony and after Norfolk County Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone summoned prosecutors and defense lawyers to the courtroom for an unusual announcement: The jury said they had reached a unanimous decision, she said, then reversed themselves and said they had not."
NBC News"The jury found Karen Read not guilty of second-degree murder Wednesday in the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend but guilty of a lesser charge of drunken driving."
Associated Press"The trial has drawn crowds outside the Dedham, Massachusetts, courthouse with many wearing pink, Read's favorite color, and carrying signs to show support for her."
USA TODAY"The jury is set to return for its third full day of testimony Wednesday in the second murder trial of Karen Read, who is charged with killing her Boston police officer boyfriend."
ABC News"The jury is set to return for its third full day of testimony Wednesday in the second murder trial of Karen Read, who is charged with killing her Boston police officer boyfriend."
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FAQ
Karen Read was charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence, and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, but was acquitted of all charges except for operating under the influence (OUI).
The jury found Karen Read not guilty of second-degree murder after deliberating for over 20 hours and reaching a unanimous verdict.
Karen Read was sentenced to one year of probation for the operating under the influence conviction.
There were claims and allegations that Karen Read was framed by law enforcement, and the case attracted attention with allegations of a cover-up and multiple documentaries examining the incident’s complexities.
Upon hearing the verdict, Karen Read hugged her lawyers and cried in court, then later addressed her supporters, thanking them for their support over nearly four years in the case.
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