Karen Read Blames Others in John O’Keefe Wrongful Death Suit

CANTON, Mass. — Karen Read is shifting blame to third parties in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of John O'Keefe. This comes after Read was acquitted earlier this year of O’Keefe’s murder.

Read’s lawyers filed a response this week to the civil suit, insisting that any damages suffered by the O’Keefe family are due to actions of other individuals, not Read herself. They stated, “Ms. Read denies that she is liable or responsible to the Plaintiffs, and requests that the Court deny the specific remedy and relief, or any remedy or relief, that the Plaintiffs seek in this action.”

The lawsuit stems from events on January 29, 2022, when O’Keefe was found dead in the snow after allegedly being struck by Read’s car following an argument. During her criminal trials, Read’s attorneys pointed to others in the Canton home who they claim were involved in O’Keefe’s death, including Brian and Nicole Albert.

Read, 45, was indicted on charges of second-degree murder and vehicular manslaughter, but was acquitted of all serious charges in her second trial this year. She was, however, convicted of drunken driving.

The wrongful death lawsuit also names two bars where Read and O’Keefe drank before the incident. It alleges that Read, in an intoxicated state, drove into O’Keefe after an argument, leading to his fatal injuries.

O’Keefe’s family is not only pursuing Read but has included emotional distress claims in the lawsuit. A hearing for the civil case is scheduled for November 21, but no trial date has been set at this time.