Additional Coverage:
Dedham, MA — Special prosecutor Hank Brennan expressed disappointment following the acquittal of Karen Read in the death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe. In his first public statement since the verdict, Brennan maintained his belief in Read’s guilt, stating, “The evidence led to one person, and only one person.”
Read was found not guilty of second-degree murder and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, but was convicted of drunk driving. The case stemmed from a January 2022 incident where O’Keefe was found dead with multiple skull fractures.
The prosecution argued Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV, while the defense claimed a cover-up and pointed to flaws in the investigation. Read herself has maintained her innocence and insisted she has sought justice for O’Keefe.
Brennan, appointed after the first trial resulted in a hung jury, emphasized his thorough and independent review of the case, including a now-closed federal investigation. He stated unequivocally that no other suspect was identified.
He also decried the “campaign of intimidation and abuse” targeting witnesses, both publicly and on social media, arguing that such behavior undermines the judicial system. He expressed hope that the harassment would cease with the conclusion of the trial.
Brennan offered condolences to the O’Keefe family and expressed hope for their future peace. Read’s defense team, however, has suggested the true perpetrator remains at large.
The future of the investigation remains unclear.