A stunning series of text messages between Karen Read and Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe revealed their relationship troubles just hours before his tragic death in January 2022.
According to the New York Post, Massachusetts State Trooper Nicholas Guarino read the intense text exchange to a captivated jury during Read's second murder trial, where she faces charges of killing O'Keefe by allegedly running him over with her SUV.
The messages, spanning from 2:30 p.m. to 8:35 p.m. on January 28, 2022, painted a picture of a relationship in turmoil. The couple argued about various issues, including childcare, social media status, and their future together. Read sat expressionless as the messages were displayed on the courtroom screen.
Relationship tensions surface in final messages
Read expressed deep hurt in her messages, directly telling O'Keefe, "You've really hurt me this time." O'Keefe responded by highlighting ongoing issues in their relationship, particularly regarding his role with his adopted children.
The exchange revealed Read's insecurities about their relationship, as she questioned whether O'Keefe was interested in someone else. He denied any outside romantic interests but acknowledged their relationship had been strained for some time.
State Trooper Guarino's monotone delivery of the messages created a stark contrast to their emotional content as the jury listened intently to the couple's final written communication.
Fatal night unfolds after heated exchange
Despite their earlier heated text argument, surveillance footage showed the couple later meeting and embracing at a Canton bar. They continued their evening at another establishment, where Read allegedly consumed seven drinks within 90 minutes.
The night took a tragic turn when O'Keefe's body was later discovered in the snow. Prosecutors allege Read drunkenly backed her SUV into him after dropping him off at a house party.
Read's defense team contests this version of events, arguing that O'Keefe died following an altercation with another police officer at the party. They maintain their client is being framed as part of a broader law enforcement conspiracy.
Legal battle intensifies in second trial
Read's current trial marks her second time facing these charges after her first trial ended in a mistrial on July 1, 2024. The jury in that case failed to reach a unanimous verdict after five days of deliberation.
The defendant faces potential life imprisonment if convicted of the murder charge. Her legal team's attempts to have the murder and hit-and-run charges dismissed by Massachusetts' highest court proved unsuccessful.
The trial continues to draw significant public attention, with supporters gathering outside the Norfolk County Superior Court during proceedings.
Critical moments shape murder case aftermath
Karen Read, 44, stands accused of second-degree murder in connection with the death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, who was found unresponsive in the snow outside a Canton residence on January 29, 2022. The prosecution alleges Read struck O'Keefe with her vehicle while intoxicated and left him to die in freezing conditions, while her defense team argues she was framed in an elaborate police cover-up. As the second trial unfolds, both sides continue presenting evidence to support their conflicting narratives of the events leading to O'Keefe's death.
