Karen Read, 45, has been acquitted of second-degree murder but found guilty of drunk driving in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, in a highly publicized case. The incident occurred outside a house party in 2022, where O’Keefe was allegedly struck by Read’s SUV and left to die in the snow. Despite being charged with serious offenses including second-degree murder, the jury ultimately dismissed the main charges, delivering a significant victory for Read’s defense team.

Throughout the trial, conflicting narratives were presented by the prosecution and defense. Prosecutors portrayed Read as a scorned lover who callously abandoned O’Keefe after the incident, while the defense argued that O’Keefe was actually killed inside the house and his body was later moved outside as part of a police conspiracy to frame Read. This was the state’s second attempt to convict Read, following a mistrial in the initial trial due to a hung jury.

Special prosecutor Hank Brennan emphasized during closing arguments that O’Keefe, described as a “good man” who “helped people,” needed assistance the night he died, and Read failed to provide it by driving away. On the other hand, defense attorney Alan Jackson asserted that there was no evidence of a collision between Read’s vehicle and O’Keefe, presenting expert witnesses to support this claim.

The case, which captured public attention with its portrayal of either a tragic love story or a sinister cover-up, showcased the complexities of the legal system and the challenges of determining the truth in high-stakes courtroom battles.