Karen Read Speaks Out for First Time Since Murder Trial — and Shares Her ‘Little Epiphanies’

Karen Read Speaks Out Post-Acquittal, Reflects on ‘Little Epiphanies’

Karen Read, who was recently acquitted, opened up in her first interview after the verdict was given. Read shares her thoughts on moving forward and the small moments of clarity she’s been experiencing. After facing a tumultuous period that saw her lose her home, career, and previous life, she is now looking towards a fresh start. Reflecting on her journey, Read likened her recovery to a gradual dimming of lights that are slowly getting brighter each week, rather than an instant switch being flipped.

In a candid conversation with WRKO host Howie Carr, Read didn’t hold back, directing a poignant message to Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey and state investigators, asserting that they suffered a significant loss. Following her acquittal in June 2025 in connection to the death of her partner, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, Read’s life has been a whirlwind of change and adjustment. She shared, “There’s moments I have every day that have these little epiphanies of, ‘Wow, this is the first time I’ve done fill-in-the-blank in the last four years that I wasn’t living with this nightmare.'”

During the course of the interview, Read touched upon the challenges she has had to face as she rebuilds her life. Selling her home, relocating to live with her parents temporarily, and losing her cherished positions at Fidelity Investments and Bentley University have all been part of her journey. The emotional toll of losing her career at Fidelity Investments, which she viewed as more than just a job but as her livelihood, still resonates with her. These changes have forced her to reconsider her future path and whether she can return to her previous routines.

As Read and her lawyer, Alan Jackson, contemplate potential future legal actions, they are determined to ensure that what they believe to be the truth about the case is brought to light. Jackson made clear their intention to pursue avenues within the legal system to advocate for their version of events. Additionally, Read hinted at the possibility of sharing her story through a book to provide her perspective on the harrowing events that have unfolded.

Responding to reports about a potential limited series on Prime Video featuring Elizabeth Banks portraying her, Read distanced herself from the project, stating that she has no involvement in it. Jackson emphasised that the story belongs to Read to narrate, implying that any dramatisation should align with her own account of the events. Despite the eagerness to move forward with her life, Read mentioned the delay in having her Lexus SUV returned, identifying it as a bureaucratic obstacle that requires handling by the district attorney’s office.

The tragic circumstances surrounding John O’Keefe’s death in 2022 had gripped the nation, with allegations pointing towards Read’s involvement in a fatal hit-and-run. However, the retrial in 2025 concluded with Read being acquitted of multiple serious charges related to O’Keefe’s demise. Despite being convicted of operating under the influence and receiving probation, the jury’s decision marked a turning point in Read’s legal battle. Over the course of the trial, details emerged regarding Read’s multiple phone calls to O’Keefe on the fateful night, with the final voicemail capturing the desperate moment when she found him outside.

As the dust settles on this high-profile case, Karen Read continues to navigate the aftermath of the legal proceedings that have altered the course of her life. With a mix of resilience and determination, she is forging ahead, intent on reclaiming her narrative and charting a new chapter. As she reflects on her ‘little epiphanies’ and envisions a future beyond the courtroom drama, Karen Read’s story remains a poignant reminder of the complexities of justice and the enduring spirit of those who seek to rebuild their lives amidst adversity.