URGENT UPDATE: The civil case involving Karen Read has been officially transferred to federal court, with U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper assigned to oversee the proceedings. This significant development follows Read’s allegations that several defendants conspired to murder John O’Keefe, a Boston police officer, and subsequently framed her for the crime.
Just this week, attorney Jim Tuxbury filed a request for the transfer from Bristol Superior Court to the U.S. District Court in Boston, citing the need to address alleged violations of Read’s civil rights under the Fourth Amendment. The swift transfer underscores the case’s pressing nature, with records confirming the move was finalized on October 18, 2023.
Judge Casper is not a stranger to high-profile cases; she infamously sentenced notorious mobster James “Whitey” Bulger to two consecutive life terms plus five years in 2013. Her involvement raises immediate questions about the implications for Read’s civil complaint, which involves serious allegations of conspiracy and misconduct by both private individuals and the Massachusetts State Police.
In her complaint, Read contends that the defendants engaged in a “malicious attempt” to evade responsibility for O’Keefe’s death. She is demanding justice for what she describes as a severe miscarriage of justice that led to her wrongful accusation of homicide, resulting in two trials. The first ended in a mistrial, while the second concluded in June 2023 with Read being acquitted of all serious charges, although she was convicted of drunk driving.
The events in question date back to the early morning of January 29, 2022, when O’Keefe was found dead outside a residence in Canton, previously owned by Brian Albert, one of the defendants. Prosecutors accused Read of hitting O’Keefe with her SUV and leaving him to freeze outside; however, her defense argues he was actually killed inside the home and later posed outside to create a false narrative.
Read’s legal team is now reiterating their claim from previous trials: that other individuals were responsible for O’Keefe’s death, not Read herself. The emotional weight of this case is immense, with Read stating in her complaint, “For three and a half years, I was wrongly accused and publicly condemned, all resulting from the gross misconduct of the Massachusetts State Police.”
Tuxbury’s filing emphasizes the need for federal oversight, arguing that Read’s claims involve complex federal civil rights issues that the state court may not be equipped to handle. The defendants are asserting that Read’s actions represent a vengeful misuse of the judicial process, with plans to counter her allegations vigorously.
As this case unfolds in federal court, all eyes will be on Judge Casper, whose previous rulings have shaped the landscape of criminal justice in Massachusetts. The stakes are high, and the implications of this case could resonate far beyond the courtroom.
What’s Next: The next steps in this developing case will be closely monitored, as Read’s legal team prepares to make their arguments in federal court. Key motions are expected in the coming weeks, and updates will be provided as they become available.
Stay tuned for more breaking news on this compelling story that continues to capture the public’s attention.
