Karen Read Blames ‘Third Parties’ in Wrongful Death Suit Over John O’Keefe
Karen Read is focusing blame on “third parties” in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of John O’Keefe. This legal response follows her previous acquittal in a criminal trial related to O’Keefe’s death. Read’s legal team argues that others present during the incident are responsible for the events leading to O’Keefe’s demise.
Background of the Case
John O’Keefe’s death occurred in January 2022 in Canton, Massachusetts. Read was previously accused of hitting O’Keefe with her car and leaving him in the snow. Her attorneys contended during her criminal trials that other individuals present in the home at the time played a role in O’Keefe’s fatal incident.
Key Events and Legal Proceedings
- Read was indicted in June 2022 on multiple charges, including second-degree murder.
- She underwent two trials: the first ended in a mistrial, while the second resulted in her acquittal on all major charges.
- However, she was convicted of drunken driving in the second trial.
Allegations Against Third Parties
In their official response to the civil lawsuit, Read’s attorneys emphasized that any damages claimed by the O’Keefe family were due to the acts of third parties. They stated that Read is not responsible for these purported actions. The figures identified by Read’s legal team included:
- Brian Albert
- Nicole Albert
- Matthew McCabe
- Jennifer McCabe
- Brian Higgins
Additionally, they criticized the investigative efforts of certain Massachusetts State Police officials, including Lt. Brian Tully, Sgt. Yuri Bukhenik, and former Trooper Michael Proctor.
Details of the Wrongful Death Suit
The wrongful death lawsuit also targets two bars where Read and O’Keefe drank prior to the incident. The lawsuit mirrors earlier claims made during the criminal prosecution. It asserts that:
- O’Keefe and Read had an argument early on January 29, 2022.
- O’Keefe exited Read’s vehicle at their Canton residence.
- Following this, Read, allegedly intoxicated, struck O’Keefe with her SUV, leading to his severe injuries and eventual death.
As the case unfolds, the legal arguments from both sides are expected to draw significant public and media attention, particularly given the prior coverage of the related criminal trials.
