Legal Proceedings Continue Despite Acquittal in Murder Case

Although she was recently found not guilty of murder, Karen Read still faces a civil lawsuit initiated by the family of her former girlfriend and law enforcement officer John O’Keefe. The wrongful death claim was filed nearly two months after her criminal trial concluded in a mistrial, and is seeking at least $50,000 in damages for emotional distress and alleged negligence.

The lawsuit accuses Read, of Mansfield, Massachusetts, of intentionally hitting O’Keefe with her Lexus while intoxicated, abandoning him in a snowstorm, and leaving his family devastated. It also alleges that two bars—C.F. McCarthy’s and Waterfall Bar & Grille—over-served her on the night before the incident, during a night of heavy drinking allegedly involving nine drinks.

The family asserts that Read’s actions caused significant emotional harm, including distress to O’Keefe’s 14-year-old niece, whom he cared for. They claim Read woke the teen early in the morning, ranting about her involvement in O’Keefe’s death, which added to her trauma.

Legal analyst Randolph Rice commented that, while Read was acquitted of criminal charges, the civil case has a lower burden of proof—based on a preponderance of evidence—and therefore remains a serious threat. He explained that depositions could compel Read to testify, despite her efforts to block certain questions, as they are a crucial part of civil litigation.

Read continues to maintain her innocence, claiming she was framed amid a widespread law enforcement cover-up. She suggests O’Keefe was killed in a fight with friends at the afterparty, rather than by her actions.

Her supporters have raised over $1 million for her legal defense, and their presence was felt outside the courthouse, where cheers erupted after the verdict was announced. Numerous parties involved have declined to comment further on the case.