Commonwealth v. Read — Trial ArchiveJohn O'Keefe is found unresponsive outside 34 Fairview Road
O'Keefe was found in the snow early that morning and was later pronounced dead. The disputed events of the night are covered separately.
In the archive
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Case timeline
Karen Read case timeline
The death and investigation, two criminal trials, the verdict, and the civil cases that followed.
- Events
- 21
- Span
- 2022–2026
- Updated
2022
Death, investigation, and charges
O'Keefe's death, Read's arrest, and the grand-jury indictments.
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Read is arraigned on the initial charges
She pleaded not guilty to manslaughter, motor-vehicle homicide, and leaving the scene of a collision causing death.
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A grand jury indicts Read on upgraded charges
The indictments charged second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene.
2024
First trial and aftermath
The first jury reports an impasse, and criminal and civil litigation follows.
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Opening statements begin in the first trial
Prosecutors alleged that Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV. The defense alleged that he was attacked inside the house, later placed outside, and that Read was framed.
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The first trial ends in a mistrial
The judge declared a mistrial after the jury reported that it could not reach a unanimous verdict. No verdict was returned on any count.
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Read asks the court to dismiss two counts
Her lawyers cited post-trial juror communications indicating agreement on acquittal on murder and leaving the scene, although no verdict had been returned.
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The O'Keefe family files a wrongful-death action
The family and estate sued Read and two Canton bars, alleging that Read caused O'Keefe's death and that the bars overserved her.
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2025
The route to retrial
State and federal courts decline to stop a second trial.
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The Massachusetts SJC allows a full retrial
The court affirmed the trial judge's refusal to dismiss the murder and leaving-the-scene counts.
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Massachusetts State Police fire Michael Proctor
The agency's trial board found that the lead investigator had sent crude and disparaging messages about Read and shared confidential information.
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The U.S. Supreme Court declines to stay the retrial
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson denied Read's application to stop the proceedings while her petition remained pending.
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2025
Retrial and verdict
A second jury returns verdicts on all charged offenses.
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Opening statements begin in the retrial
The Commonwealth again alleged a vehicle strike. The defense again argued that the investigation was compromised and Read was framed.
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The U.S. Supreme Court declines further review
The court denied Read's petition challenging retrial on the murder and leaving-the-scene counts.
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Read is acquitted on the death-related charges and convicted of lesser-included OUI
The jury found her not guilty of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene, but guilty of the lesser-included offense of operating under the influence.
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2025–2026
After the verdict
Read completes probation while four civil matters remain active.
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Read files a civil action; defendants remove it to federal court
The complaint alleges civil-rights violations, malicious prosecution, and a conspiracy involving investigators and witnesses. Defendants removed the case on November 25.
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Four witnesses file a defamation action
Jennifer McCabe, Brian Albert, Colin Albert, and Brian Higgins sued Read and Aidan Kearney over statements accusing them of involvement in O’Keefe’s death and an alleged cover-up.
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Read files a separate action against state police and Canton
The state-court complaint names the Massachusetts State Police and Town of Canton and alleges misconduct in the investigation.
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Read's OUI probation ends
Her one-year probation ended. The criminal case is closed; the civil matters continue.
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Court denies Read’s and Kearney’s motions to dismiss the defamation action
The Plymouth Superior Court denied both defendants’ Rule 12(b)(6) motions after denying their anti-SLAPP special motions in July. Both defendants appealed the anti-SLAPP rulings.
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Court denies stays in the defamation action
Plymouth Superior Court denied Read’s and Kearney’s motions to pause the case while their anti-SLAPP appeals proceed. Discovery may continue during the appeals.
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Court sets April 2027 wrongful-death trial
A Plymouth Superior Court scheduling order sets a November 24, 2026 hearing on Rule 56 motions and an April 5, 2027 trial in the O’Keefe family’s action.
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Read’s state agency action moves to Plymouth
A transfer order moved the action against the Massachusetts State Police and Town of Canton from Bristol to Plymouth Superior Court. The Bristol docket closed on transfer; the action was not dismissed.
Major milestones only. Routine motions, daily testimony, media coverage, and civil docket activity are omitted.
Current status
Criminal case concluded4 civil matters continueAgainst Karen Read
O’Keefe family wrongful-death action
Plymouth Superior Court · 2483CV00692Status: Open
Court sets wrongful-death trial for April 2027
Rule 56 hearing scheduled
Witnesses’ defamation action
Plymouth Superior Court · 2683CV00541Status: Open
Court denies both motions to stay the case
Discovery and appeals proceed
Filed by Karen Read
Read’s federal civil-rights action
U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts · 1:25-cv-13588-DJCStatus: Open
The court heard the operative dismissal motions
A ruling on the dismissal motions
Read’s state agency action
Bristol → Plymouth Superior Court · 2673CV00489 (Bristol)Status: Transferred
Case transferred from Bristol to Plymouth
Proceedings in Plymouth Superior Court