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INFAMOUS: The Death of John O'Keefe & The Trial of Karen Read

Crime Junkie

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Published: Mon Mar 31 2025

John O’Keefe, a 16-year veteran of the Boston Police Department, died of blunt force trauma and hypothermia on January 29, 2022, after being found on a fellow Boston Police Officer’s front lawn during a blizzard. His girlfriend, Karen Read, is charged with allegedly backing into John with her SUV, and leaving him to die in the cold after a night of drinking. But her defense team poses a different theory – a massive cover-up spanning law enforcement agencies across Massachusetts. Karen’s first case ended in a mistrial on July 1, 2024. Her second trial is set to begin in April 2025.

Summary

Crime Junkie Podcast Episode Summary Episode Title: INFAMOUS: The Death of John O'Keefe & The Trial of Karen Read
Release Date: March 31, 2025
Host: Ashley Flowers
Co-Host: Brett

Introduction to the Case

In this gripping episode, Ashley Flowers delves deep into the mysterious death of John O'Keefe and the subsequent trial of Karen Read. The case, which garnered national attention, revolves around the circumstances leading to John's untimely demise and the legal battle that ensued against Karen Read.

Timeline of Events

The Night of January 28-29, 2022

On January 28, 2022, Karen Read meets her boyfriend, John O'Keefe, at CF McCarthy's bar in Canton, Massachusetts. The couple spends approximately two hours at the bar before moving to another establishment, the Waterfall, to join John’s colleagues, including Boston police officers.

  • 8:51 PM (00:52): Ashley Flowers describes Karen greeting John at the bar.

    "Surveillance video shows Karen walking in greeting John at 8:51pm and they're drinking there for about two hours..."

Despite the heavy drinking, no one appears excessively intoxicated. As the night progresses, the weather worsens with a nor'easter approaching.

Departure to the Alberts' House

Around midnight, the group decides to relocate the gathering to 34 Fairview Road, the residence of Brian and Nicole Albert, a couple within the group.

  • Midnight: Karen decides to drive them home, staying in her Lexus SUV while John accompanies her.

Missing Person

By early morning, John fails to return home, prompting Karen to seek assistance.

  • 4:30 AM (04:30): Karen realizes John hasn't come home and contacts Jen McCabe for help.

Discovery of John's Body

At approximately 6:04 AM, Jen calls 911 after finding John unresponsive on the Alberts' lawn.

  • 6:04 AM (06:04): Brandi Churchwell recounts the desperate call to emergency services.

    "There's a man unresponsive in the snow... two women trying to do his body heat, and they're hysterical."

Despite efforts to revive him, John succumbs to blunt force trauma and hypothermia by 7:50 AM.

Investigation and Arrest

State Trooper Michael Proctor leads the investigation, quickly pointing fingers at Karen Read.

  • February 1-2, 2022: Karen is arrested and charged with manslaughter, motor vehicle homicide, and leaving the scene of a deadly crash.

    Ashley Flowers quotes Attorney David Iannetti: "Karen's gonna fight. She has no criminal intent and that she loved John and she is innocent."

An anonymous tip suggests a conspiracy involving Brian Albert and an ATF agent, Brian Higgins, claiming they were the actual perpetrators.

Conspiracy Theories and Public Outcry

The case gains traction online, fueled by blogger "Turtle Boy" (Aidan Carney) and his followers, who propagate theories of a cover-up and frame Karen Read.

  • Turtle Boy's Involvement: Initially unaware, it is revealed that Karen's associates reached out to Turtle Boy, leading him to champion the "Free Karen Read" movement.

    Ashley Flowers explains Turtle Boy's extremist actions, including confrontations at soccer games and courthouse rallies.

Mistrial and Subsequent Developments

After a prolonged trial, the jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial.

  • July 1, 2024: Judge Beverly Kanoni declares a mistrial after recognizing a hung jury.

    Ashley Flowers notes, "They send a note asking a question. And then on July 1, 2024, ... the judge quickly declares a mistrial, citing a hung jury."

Subsequent attempts to clarify the jury's stance reveal that jurors had reached consensus on two of the three charges but were deadlocked on manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol.

Key Evidence and Counterarguments

Prosecution's Case Against Karen Read

  1. Broken Taillight: Evidence points to Karen backing into John with her SUV, as fragments of her taillight were found near John's body.

    Ashley Flowers summarizes: "They found pieces of red and clear plastic consistent with Karen's taillight on Brian Albert's lawn."

  2. Vehicle Data: Data shows Karen's SUV backing up and driving away after John didn't return.

    Ashley Flowers mentions, "SUV data shows she put her car in reverse and backed up at some point."

  3. Hair Evidence: John's DNA was found on Karen's vehicle, linking her directly to the incident.

Defense's Counterarguments

  1. Alleged Conspiracy: The defense claims a group involving Brian Albert and ATF agent Brian Higgins conspired to frame Karen.

    Ashley Flowers states, "Karen and her team knew that they needed to put forward an alternate theory because her hitting John feels like the obvious answer to most people."

  2. Inconsistent Testimonies: Witnesses, including Jen McCabe and Colin Albert, provide conflicting statements regarding the events' timeline and interactions.

    Ashley Flowers notes discrepancies in phone records and witness testimonies that suggest possible tampering or misinformation.

  3. Forensic Evidence Discrepancies: Experts argue that John's injuries are inconsistent with being hit by a vehicle, suggesting an alternative cause such as an animal attack.

    Ashley Flowers explains, "Experts testify that John's injuries were not consistent with being hit by a vehicle."

Judge Beverly Kanoni's Impartiality Concerns

Questions arise regarding Judge Kanoni's impartiality due to her familial connections to the Albert family.

  • Conflict of Interest: It is revealed that Judge Kanoni's brother represented a member of the Albert family in a prior case.

    Ashley Flowers quotes, "Her brother represented Brian Albert's brother when he went to trial for a motor vehicle homicide case."

Despite calls for her recusal, Judge Kanoni maintains her position, leading to further scrutiny of the trial's fairness.

Current Status and Future Proceedings

With the mistrial declared, prosecutors plan to retry Karen Read. Hank Brennan, a high-profile attorney known for defending Whitey Bulger, leads the new prosecution team.

  • October 2025: Anticipated start of the retrial with Hank Brennan at the helm, promising a more aggressive prosecution approach.

Impact on the Community and John's Family

John O'Keefe, remembered fondly by his family, remains at the heart of the narrative, overshadowed by the ongoing legal battles and public debates surrounding his death.

  • Personal Tributes: Ashley Flowers shares heartfelt memories of John, emphasizing his role as a beloved uncle and dedicated police officer.

Conclusion: A System Under Scrutiny

The case of John O'Keefe's death and Karen Read's trial exposes potential flaws within the investigative and judicial systems. With conflicting evidence, alleged conspiracies, and questions about impartiality, the true circumstances of John's death remain shrouded in controversy.

Ashley Flowers concludes, "At its core, this is a case that presents the question of whether a crack in an SUV tail light is cut and dry evidence of murder or if it exposed a crack in the system. A system that was ripe for a cover-up that spanned agencies across Massachusetts."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

  • Ashley Flowers at 03:06:

    "The trial of Karen Reeve for the murder of John O'Keefe was six weeks back that had more twists and turns in theatrics than most legal dramas on TV."

  • Brandi Churchwell at 09:50:

    "John, I'm going home. I cannot breathe at your. I need to go home."

  • Ashley Flowers at 31:09:

    "Did she do that on purpose? Like right. Like you got both."

  • Ashley Flowers at 93:41:

    "A lot of people are wondering, like, is that real? Or is this more proof that evidence was planted?"

Follow Along

For listeners eager to engage more deeply with the case, Crime Junkie has launched the Crime Junkie Jury on YouTube. Hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brandi Churchwell, this platform offers live trial watch-alongs and daily recaps, allowing the community to dissect and discuss each development in real-time.

Join the Community:
Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, Crime Junkie invites you to stay informed and engaged as the retrial unfolds. Follow the podcast on CrimeJunkiePodcast.com and join the conversation on Instagram @crimejunkiepodcast.