Karen Read seeks dismissal of lawsuit following murder acquittal

In the United States, Karen Read is currently engaged in legal battles following her acquittal of murder charges in the death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe. This case has gained significant media attention due to the tragic circumstances surrounding O'Keefe's death and the high-profile nature of Read's trial. After being found not guilty of homicide-related charges in June 2025, Read is now taking action against a wrongful death lawsuit filed by O'Keefe's family. O'Keefe's relatives filed this lawsuit in August 2024, claiming damages in excess of $50,000 for emotional distress and suffering resulting from O'Keefe's death, which they allege was caused by Read's actions after a night of drinking in January 2022. This civil lawsuit also names two bars where Read was drinking prior to the incident and accuses them of negligence in allowing her to leave while intoxicated. Read, represented by a legal team that includes newly appointed attorneys Aaron Davis, Charles Waters, and Damon Seligson, submitted a motion to dismiss the wrongful death lawsuit, but the reasons for this dismissal are not elaborated in the court filings. The process is governed by Massachusetts Superior Court Rules, which aim to facilitate a potential resolution between both parties. The O'Keefe family’s lawsuit alleges that Read not only caused wrongful death but also inflicted significant emotional pain and suffering, and they further accuse her of constructing a false narrative that has caused them psychological distress. The lawsuit claims financial compensation for the family's suffering as a result of O'Keefe's death, which had occurred after a heated night out under the influence. As the case unfolds, former Judge Jack Lu provided some insight, explaining the procedural aspects involved in the dismissal motion being filed. He stated that there may be continued efforts for negotiation, but that does not imply that both parties are moving closer to settling the lawsuit. Jurors at Read's trials were faced with conflicting testimonies regarding the events leading to O'Keefe's tragic death, which contributes to the ongoing complexity of her case. Despite the acquittal of serious charges, the civil suit presents a new challenge for Read as she attempts to clear her name in the eyes of the law and the public. The circumstances surrounding O'Keefe's death involved accusations that Read struck him with her vehicle and left him in the snow to die. The available evidence during the criminal trials, including shattered taillight fragments found on the victim, did not convince the jury to find her guilty of murder. As of July 2025, Read's legal battles appear far from over, as both her and the O'Keefe family's paths remain intertwined in a quest for justice, truth, and emotional reconciliation after a deeply tragic event.