UPDATE: A Massachusetts federal judge has just been assigned to the high-profile civil case of Karen Read, who alleges a conspiracy to frame her for the murder of John O’Keefe. The case has been transferred to the U.S. District Court in Boston, following a request from the defense attorneys representing key defendants, including Brian and Nicole Albert.
The transfer from Bristol Superior Court was confirmed just moments ago, with Chief Judge Denise J. Casper taking the helm. Casper is notable for sentencing notorious mobster James “Whitey” Bulger to two life terms, plus five years, in 2013. Her involvement in this case adds a layer of urgency and public interest due to its complex legal backdrop.
Read’s civil complaint claims that the defendants conspired to kill O’Keefe, who was a Boston police officer, and then framed her for his murder. The civil case is now set against the backdrop of Read’s tumultuous legal history, including two criminal trials that have gripped public attention. She was acquitted of all charges related to O’Keefe’s death after a retrial in June 2024, although she was convicted of drunk driving.
The allegations surrounding O’Keefe’s death on January 29, 2022, are chilling. Read contends that he was actually beaten to death inside the Albert family home and that his body was later dragged outside to make it appear he had died in a vehicular accident during a blizzard. The civil complaint states, “For three and a half years, Karen Read was wrongly accused of homicide and subjected to suspicion, arrest, two prosecutions, and public condemnation.”
Attorney Jim Tuxbury, representing the Alberts and others, argues that Read’s allegations violate her federal civil rights, claiming a “malicious attempt” to evade responsibility for O’Keefe’s death. The case’s quick transfer to federal court underscores its significance and the serious nature of the accusations involved.
This latest development raises questions about the integrity of the Massachusetts State Police and their investigation into O’Keefe’s demise. Read’s defense team maintains that other parties are responsible for the murder, and they are determined to prove her innocence in this civil trial.
As this case unfolds, observers will be keenly watching for how Judge Casper approaches the complexities of the evidence and the emotional weight of the accusations. The implications of this trial could resonate beyond the courtroom, affecting perceptions of law enforcement actions in high-stakes murder investigations.
Next steps will include pre-trial motions and potential hearings, with both sides gearing up for what promises to be a contentious legal battle. Stay tuned for updates as this urgent case develops further.
