Karen Read, who was acquitted of murder in June, recently shared her story in an extensive interview on the true crime podcast Rotten Mango. Read faced charges for allegedly hitting and killing her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, with her car during a snowstorm in January 2022. Her defense argued that local law enforcement framed her for his death.
Throughout a two-episode podcast that lasted more than two hours, Read reflected on her trial, retrial, and the verdict that ultimately freed her. She expressed her belief that O’Keefe’s injuries suggested he may have been involved in a physical altercation before falling, indicating that someone else may have been responsible for his death.
Addressing her public image, Read acknowledged the criticisms she faced for not displaying enough emotion in the courtroom. “I am out of tears about the tragedy of January 29th,” she remarked, explaining that she had mourned privately before her case garnered public attention. “I would not cry in front of the O’Keefes. I would not cry in front of the prosecution,” she said.
Despite her acquittal, Read revealed that she continues to grapple with financial difficulties and is currently living with her parents. She hopes her experience will inspire changes in how similar cases are perceived in Massachusetts, emphasizing the significance of political accountability and the risks of a one-party system. “No competitions, no checks and balances. It becomes anarchy-like,” she stated.
Additionally, Read mentioned that she and her team are in the process of writing a book, which she hopes to have published within the next five years. However, she admitted that life post-trial has been challenging, with ongoing thoughts about her freedom weighing heavily on her mind. “Every hour, I thought about my freedom and whether I could lose it, and those feelings just don’t disappear when a jury foreman says not guilty,” she shared.
In related news, Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey, who oversaw the prosecution of Read, announced he would not seek reelection this year.
This interview sheds light on the complex aftermath of a highly publicized case, offering a glimpse into Read’s perspective as she navigates life beyond the courtroom.