Karen Read, a Massachusetts woman accused of running over her police officer boyfriend in January 2022, claims she is being framed for the crime.
In her first media interview, Read, 44, spoke with ABC’s “20/20,” describing what she believes is a police conspiracy to wrongfully pin her for the mysterious death of her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, a 46-year-old officer.
Read stands accused of striking O’Keefe with her SUV and leaving him outside to die in freezing temperatures after a night of heavy drinking. The incident allegedly occurred as O’Keefe was being dropped off at a party hosted by retired officer Brian Albert.
Supporters of Karen Read rallied for her on Labor Day, where she addressed the crowd, likening their efforts to those of Vietnam War protesters.
The defense argues that O’Keefe was fatally injured during an altercation at the party and that the crime scene was staged to frame Read. Her attorneys point to injuries on O’Keefe’s head and hands, suggesting he was assaulted rather than struck by a vehicle.
“I jumped out the passenger side, and I fell into the street. His eyes were shut, and he had spots of blood in different areas on his face, and he was still — not stiff, but still,” Read told “20/20” about discovering O’Keefe’s body. “It was cold. I felt cold, but I didn’t feel dangerously cold, and it was just an odd feeling to know that ‘I’m OK. I’m not dying, but he’s here with me, and he’s dying, and I can’t warm him up.’”
Prosecutors highlight a broken tail light on Read’s Lexus SUV, with shards of red plastic found on O’Keefe’s body, as critical evidence against her. Other evidence includes Read’s blood alcohol content, which was far above the legal limit, and furious voicemails left on O’Keefe’s phone accusing him of infidelity.
Read recounted to “20/20” her realization that O’Keefe’s parents suspected her of murder. “They had pulled into the driveway before me. I was presuming she saw my cracked taillight and was thinking, ‘Did you hit my son?’” she said. “When we were driving home, I said to my father, ‘I gotta get an attorney.’”
When asked by interviewer Matt Guttman if it was possible she may have hit O’Keefe unknowingly, Read firmly denied the possibility. “No,” she replied. “Not possible.”
Karen Read, charged with second-degree murder and vehicular manslaughter, faced a mistrial in July. Prosecutors have announced plans to retry her in January.
The case has garnered significant public attention, with large crowds of protesters on both sides. Following the mistrial, Read thanked her supporters, saying, “You’re brave. You would’ve protested the Vietnam War and ended it. And this is the modern equivalent to that, so thank you all.”
