Where Is Karen Read Now? What to Know About Her Life After Being Acquitted of Murder

Karen Read has been through a tumultuous journey in the past few years, as she faced accusations and trial for the murder of her boyfriend, John O’Keefe. The tragic incident took place in January 2022 when O’Keefe was found unresponsive in the snow outside a late-night gathering in Canton, Mass. Read was soon accused of hitting him with her SUV, leading to a long and high-profile legal battle.

After enduring a mistrial in July 2024 due to a deadlocked jury, Karen Read continued to assert her innocence. Her second trial commenced in April 2025, with ongoing claims from her defence team that she was a victim of a police cover-up. The jury’s verdict on June 18 finally brought a resolution to the case, acquitting Read of the murder charges.

Karen Read was initially a financial analyst and adjunct professor of finance at Bentley University before reconnecting with O’Keefe, a Boston police officer, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their rekindled relationship took a tragic turn with O’Keefe’s untimely death, leading to Read’s legal ordeal.

The circumstances surrounding John O’Keefe’s death raised questions and suspicions, leading to charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a fatal crash against Karen Read. Prosecutors alleged that she hit O’Keefe with her SUV after a night of bar-hopping and then left the scene, painting a grim picture of the events that unfolded that fateful night.

Amidst the legal proceedings and intense scrutiny, Karen Read has maintained her innocence and stood firm in defending herself. Her life was upended as she lost her jobs, health insurance, car, and life savings. The invasive nature of the investigation further compounded her distress, with her privacy compromised and financial stability in jeopardy.

The conclusion of the second trial brought relief to Karen Read as she was acquitted of the most serious charges related to O’Keefe’s death. While she still faces challenges ahead, including a civil case filed by O’Keefe’s brother, Paul, seeking damages, the verdict marks a significant turning point in her arduous journey through the criminal justice system.

As Karen Read navigates the aftermath of the trials and seeks to rebuild her life, the lingering effects of the ordeal continue to weigh heavily on her. With a long road ahead in terms of recovery and reconciliation, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and uncertainties of the legal process.