After years of intense public scrutiny, Karen Read is finally taking control of her story.
The 45-year-old, who was acquitted of murdering her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, is launching a YouTube channel and podcast called The Read Files.
Alongside her attorney Alan Jackson, Read promises to reveal the “truth” behind the high-profile case that captured national attention.
Jackson described the project as “something new, something honest, and something long overdue,” promising listeners a deep dive into courtroom battles, alleged corruption, and the people affected when the justice system falters.
“No spin, no slogans, just the truth—backed by evidence, experience, and a fearless commitment to justice,” he said.
The Case That Shook Boston
The tragic events that led to Read’s legal battles occurred on January 29, 2022.
Read was accused of running her SUV into O’Keefe and leaving him to die on the snowy front lawn of a fellow officer’s home in Canton, a Boston suburb.
At the time, she faced murder and leaving-the-scene charges, but after lengthy trials and deliberations, jurors were left divided, resulting in a mistrial.
Prosecutors painted Read as a scorned lover who abandoned O’Keefe in the snow, while her defense argued that he was physically assaulted and left outside as part of a conspiracy involving police officers who allegedly planted evidence against her.
The defense highlighted that investigators may have targeted Read because she was “a convenient outsider,” which allowed them to avoid scrutiny of fellow law enforcement officers.
What Really Happened That Night
According to Read, she and O’Keefe had been drinking at the Waterfall Bar and Grill in Canton before heading to an afterparty.
She admitted to drinking but claimed she dropped him off before returning home.
When she discovered he hadn’t returned, she frantically searched for him and found his body outside.
Party attendees insisted he never entered the home where he was found, adding complexity to the case.
O’Keefe’s death was officially listed as blunt force trauma and hypothermia.
First responders testified that Read, in a panicked state, told them she had hit him.
Throughout the trials, jurors noted what they considered “sloppy investigation” practices, including inappropriate behavior by a discharged state trooper who sent offensive texts about Read and joked about invading her privacy.
Life After Acquittal
Though acquitted of murder and leaving the scene resulting in death, Read was convicted of Operating Under the Influence and sentenced to probation.
Speaking to podcast host Stephanie Soo, Read reflected on how the ordeal has affected her life.
She admitted feeling the weight of lost freedom and the void left by O’Keefe, her only serious relationship.
Now living with her parents and planning to leave Massachusetts due to safety concerns, Read is financially strained after spending much of her savings, including her house, on legal fees.
She also faces a civil wrongful death lawsuit filed by O’Keefe’s family against her and two local bars.
A Platform to Share Her Story
Despite these challenges, Read is determined to share her perspective.
Along with Jackson, she plans to write a book highlighting alleged corruption and the dangers of political monopolies, particularly in Massachusetts.
“I want this to be a story about corruption and to make an impact on how people view politics and government,” she said.
She hopes the book will inspire women in similar situations to stand up for themselves and seek justice.
What’s Next for Karen Read
With The Read Files podcast, a potential book, and a new life chapter beyond Massachusetts, Read is stepping into a role of advocate and storyteller.
She encourages the public to reconsider the official narrative of her case and to hear the side of the story she says was never fully told.
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