VERDICT IS IN! Karen Read NOT GUILTY of Murder Charges. What Comes Next? | Case Brief

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on ‪@TheEmilyDBaker‬ YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/JaBePBtlqQA

Day 36 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on June 18, 2025 and a Verdict was reached! After 4 days of deliberation, the jury in the Karen Read murder retrial delivered their verdicts. Karen Read was found not guilty of second-degree murder (Count 1) and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death (Count 3). She was found guilty only on the lesser included charge of operating under the influence (OUI) with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or greater (Count 2), which is a misdemeanor.

Immediately after the verdict, Karen Read was sentenced to one year of probation and a 24D program, which is a standard first-time OUI offer.

Outside the courthouse, Karen Read addressed the crowd while standing next to her defense team, David Yannetti, Alan Jackson, and Elizabeth Little, and Robert Alessi. Karen Read thanked her supporters and stated that no one has fought harder for justice for John O'Keefe than she and her team. Her father also acknowledged the strength of Karen and the support of their extended family and the legal team.

There was confusion during the reading of the verdicts, likely due to an initial incorrect verdict form. This form was sealed. The Commonwealth cannot appeal the not guilty verdicts. It's unlikely anyone else will be charged in John O'Keefe's death for the same crime, but if there are issues with the investigation itself, those could be charged separately. There is still the civil case against Karen read by the O'Keefe family which I will follow up on in the future but for now, .

RESOURCES
What You Need to Know About the Retrial -    • Karen Read Retrial. What you need to know ...  
Karen Read Retrial Playlist -    • Live Trials with Emily D. Baker  
Karen Read Trial - 2024 -    • Live Trials | Karen Read  - 2024 Mistrial  

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