The Trade Desk Universal Programmatic Pixel:

INFAMOUS: John O’Keefe & The Trial of Karen Read

Share

INFAMOUS: John O’Keefe & The Trial of Karen Read

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.

Listened to this episode? Let us know what you think here.

Join us in watching the trial and get daily recaps on Crime Junkie Jury, hosted by Brandi Churchwell, only on YouTube. We know you are following this case as closely as we are, and we can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the second trial!

The Crime Junkie Merch Store is NOW OPEN! Shop the exclusive Life Rule #10 Tour collection before it’s gone for good! Don’t miss your chance – visit the store now!

January 28, 2022
January 28, 2022
8:51pm

Karen Read and John O’Keefe meet up at C.F. McCarthy’s for some drinks with friends.

11pm

The group walks to the second bar, the Waterfall.

January 29, 2022
January 29, 2022
12am

The group heads to 34 Fairview Rd.

12:36am

Karen’s phone data shows that she connected to John’s house’s wifi.

12:42am

Karen leaves a voicemail on John’s phone in which you can hear her walking on hardwood floor, presumably at John’s house.

12:45am

Witnesses allege they saw a black SUV leaving the Albert’s home.

2am

Everyone leaves the Albert’s house, with no reports of a body on the front lawn.

4:30am

Karen wakes up at John’s house, panicking because John never returned home. She calls members of the group to try to locate him.

6:04am

Jen McCabe calls 911; they have found John buried under 6” of snow on the front lawn.

7:50am

The group receives word that John has passed away.

January 30, 2022
January 30, 2022

Jen McCabe, Kerry Roberts, and Sgt. Michael Lank’s wife are reported to have sat in the car for an hour discussing John’s death.

February 1, 2022
February 1, 2022

Karen Read is arrested and charged with manslaughter, motor vehicle homicide, and leaving the scene of a deadly crash. She is let out on a $50,000 bail.

June 2022
June 2022

Karen’s charges are upgraded to second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol, and leaving the scene of personal injury or death. She pleads not guilty, and is released on a $100,000 bail.

April 16, 2024
April 16, 2024

Karen’s trial begins. A mistrial is eventually declared.

April 2025
April 2025

Karen’s retrial is set to begin.

C.F. McCarthy’s

Where the group was barhopping and drinking together on the night of January 28, 2022, into the morning of January 29, 2022.

The Waterfall

Where the group was barhopping and drinking together on the night of January 28, 2022, into the morning of January 29, 2022.

34 Fairview Road

The Albert’s house, where John was found deceased the morning of January 29, 2022.

We’d love to speak with you and see how we can support.

If you’re a law enforcement agency or family member of one of the people we mentioned in this episode, or if you’re looking for more coverage on a case, please reach out. You can email us at:

Episode Source Material

Suggested Episodes

INFAMOUS: Highway 20

Over several decades, women and girls have encountered a monster whose full reign of terror might not even be fully known. He hunted his own backyard, the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, and there could be victims out there that have yet to be discovered.

read more

Join our Fan Club to listen to this episode and more!

Unlock all of the exclusive benefits and dynamic listening experience as a Crime Junkie Fan Club member.
Join the Fan Club now to reap the rewards!