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Was the Karen Read verdict a shock? Here’s what 1,500 readers said.
The verdict wasn't surprising to most readers — but the reasons behind their reactions varied widely.
On Thursday, the high-profile Karen Read murder retrial came to a close. Read, 45, was acquitted of second-degree murder of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, but was found guilty of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol – a verdict that readers said came as no surprise.
When we asked Boston.com readers to weigh in on the verdict, more than 1,500 responded. The vast majority — 1,310 readers, or 85% — said they were not surprised by the outcome. Another 171 readers (11%) reported being surprised by the verdict, while 52 (3%) said they were unsure.
Were you surprised by the verdict in the Karen Read retrial?
Yes, I was surprised
11%
No, I wasn't surprised
85%
I'm not sure
3%
Neil R. from South Boston felt the prosecution failed to make its case beyond a reasonable doubt. “Although it’s probable Read is responsible for this man’s death, the prosecution couldn’t meet its burden of proof.”
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Similarly, Jeff K. from Deerfield said the investigation by Massachusetts State Police failed to convince the jury that Read was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. “I feel badly for John O’Keefe and his family. They deserved better. But the police conducted the investigation in such a way as to create reasonable doubt.”
On the other hand, many readers, like Jeff from the Metrowest region, expressed shock at Read’s acquittal.
“She was drunk while operating a motor vehicle, and a person died because of it. I’m shocked that she was acquitted of all other charges,” he said.
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Mike from Boston was equally surprised, highlighting concerns about the investigation itself. “I am only surprised because of how crooked this whole investigation and process has been. What a waste of resources, and they should be ashamed of trying her again after the first trial.”
While feelings about the verdict varied, one theme remained consistent: a deep sense of tragedy for John O’Keefe and questions about the investigation’s integrity. The case leaves a lingering question about justice and accountability for all involved.
“Hopefully this will bring changes to how police agencies gather evidence, and conduct investigations,” reader Jay from Springfield said.
Below, readers share why they were and were not surprised by the verdict in the Karen Read retrial.
Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
Were you surprised by the verdict in the Karen Read retrial?
No, I wasn’t surprised
“The prosecution should have known better than to waste tax payers dollars on a retrial given the lack of evidence supporting the prosecution claims and the hung jury from the first trial. This is not surprising at all.” – Mikhail C., Carlisle
“I didn’t think there was enough evidence to send someone to prison. It was a bad investigation by bad cops. Hopefully this will bring changes to how police agencies gather evidence, and conduct investigations.” – Jay E., Springfield
“The only charge that the state proved beyond a reasonable doubt was OUI so I expected this outcome.” – Steve M., Wrentham
“From the beginning it seemed like finding her guilty of murder was a real stretch. At best, I thought they might prove she hit him without realizing it because she was drunk, but that even seemed like a stretch as the trial went on. I think the prosecution’s mistake was to go for murder instead of merely manslaughter. And the cops involved really looked vindictive and unprofessional.” – Ed, South Shore
“This was a triumph of hysteria and fantastical thinking over reason, deduction, and rational thought. Read owes her life to TurtleBoy for launching and spreading the groundless conspiracy theory that, along with her wider media appearances, managed to taint the entire jury pool. It took them three days of deliberations to convict on a single OUI charge? Not to be too cynical, but I think this verdict says a lot about a declining capacity for critical thinking in the American population at large.” – Dave, Worcester
“Although I personally found her to be most likely guilty, with all the nonsense surrounding the entire case I was sure she would get off.” – Phoebe, Boston
“I’ve watched both trials all the way through and it’s obvious that the Commonwealth did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt. I think if the verdict slip had been clearer during the first trial, we wouldn’t have had to go through a second trial. The judge should not have been so rigid about the verbiage on the slip. The defense did their job and so did the jurors in the second trial.” – Lisa C., Concord, New Hampshire
Yes, I was surprised
“This case is so convoluted I’m surprised it didn’t mistrial a second time.” – Janet H., Newton
“I was quite surprised to see a not guilty verdict in light of Karen’s statements on media documentaries and the litany of physical evidence, including John’s DNA on Karen’s bumper and pieces of taillight in John’s clothes.” – Grant S., Belmont
“I am only surprised because of how crooked this whole investigation and process has been. What a waste of resources and they should be ashamed of trying her again after the first trial. I just hope they continue to investigate and get justice for Office O’Keefe, who has sadly been forgotten during this circus.” – Mike, Boston
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
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