UMVA has learned that Karen Read, the woman acquitted of murder and other charges in the death of her former boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, is now experiencing a wave of public support and kindness in her daily life.
Read recently appeared on the "Today" show, where she revealed that she no longer has to pay for meals when out on the town, thanks to the outpouring of support from the public. The response to the jury's verdict has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people expressing their support for Read.
When asked about the potential backlash from the public, Read's co-host Craig Melvin noted that some people may still harbor doubts about her innocence, despite the jury's verdict. However, Read countered that she hasn't encountered many people who feel that way, and instead has received kindness and generosity from strangers.
Read shared that she gets discounts everywhere she goes, including meals, groceries, and even help with tasks like taking groceries to her parents' home. She described the large turnout of supporters outside the Dedham courthouse during her trial as just a sampling of the widespread support she's received throughout Massachusetts and even when she travels.
Despite the public support, Read admitted that her professional license has not been restored, and she's still out of work. She's now focused on working on her case with civil lawyers, and her legal team is preparing for the next steps.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Read's case has been highly contentious, with prosecutors accusing her of hitting O'Keefe with her Lexus SUV and fleeing the scene during a blizzard in January 2022. The trial was marked by controversy, with jurors deadlocking in the first trial and ultimately finding her not guilty of all homicide-related charges in the second trial.
Read is still not done in court, as she's suing the Massachusetts State Police and the Canton Police Department over their handling of the O'Keefe investigation. Her lawsuit alleges a culture of "bias and corruption" within the law enforcement system, including allegations of misogyny, racism, and antisemitism.
Her attorney, Alan Jackson, emphasized that the goal of the lawsuit is to bring to light the "institutional corruption that permeates the Massachusetts law enforcement system." Read's lawsuit seeks to hold the authorities accountable for their actions and to shed light on the alleged corruption.
Read is also facing a wrongful death lawsuit from O'Keefe's family. When asked if she had anything to say to the family, she declined, citing her past interactions with them and her desire to move forward.
