Civil Lawsuit Continues Despite Acquittal

Although she was acquitted of criminal charges related to the death of a fellow officer, Karen Read still faces a civil wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of John O’Keefe, the police officer she was accused of killing. The civil case, involving damages of at least $50,000, has been delayed pending the outcome of her criminal trial.

The lawsuit alleges that Read, from Mansfield, Massachusetts, deliberately hit O’Keefe with her vehicle while intoxicated and abandoned him to die in a snowstorm. The family also blames two bars, C.F. McCarthy’s and Waterfall Bar & Grille, for over-serving her in the hours leading up to the incident, claiming she had consumed nine drinks on the night of January 28, 2022, before driving O’Keefe to an afterparty in Canton, Massachusetts.

The suit asserts that Read caused emotional distress for O’Keefe’s family, especially when she woke his 14-year-old niece, who he was caring for, at 4:30 a.m. ranting about what might have happened to O’Keefe. O’Keefe’s family also claims Read left the niece alone at home when she went searching for O’Keefe.

Legal expert Randolph Rice explained that although Read was acquitted in criminal court, the civil case requires only a “preponderance of evidence” to establish liability, making it easier for the plaintiffs to succeed. He noted that Read remains vulnerable to civil judgment, and her legal situation is far from resolved.

Read, maintaining her innocence, claims she was possibly framed in a law enforcement cover-up and asserts that O’Keefe died after a fight at the afterparty. Her defense has garnered strong support, with donations exceeding $1 million and crowds gathering outside court sessions, expressing faith in her innocence.

Following the court verdict, supporters’ cheers could be heard from outside. Comments from the legal representatives of other involved parties have not been released.