Following Acquittal of Karen Read, Canton Select Board Urges "Civil, Constructive Dialogue"

Photo by Dedhamresident via Wikimedia Commons. The jury's verdict in the Karen Read murder trial was announced at Norfolk County Superior Court in Dedham. 

Following a jury's acquittal in Dedham on Wednesday afternoon, June 18th, of Karen Read, who faced accusations of second-degree murder and manslaughter by prosecutors in a case that has garnered national attention and divided opinion as to her guilt or innocence regarding whether she caused the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend in Canton, Massachusetts in 2022, Canton Select Board Chair John McCourt has urged the community to move forward with respectful dialogue.

"This case has been the subject of intense public interest, scrutiny and speculation for three years. Our community has been deeply affected," reads a statement by Mr. McCourt.

"Today's outcome may bring a sense of relief to some and continue to raise questions for others. We encourage members of the community to move forward together, treating one another with respect through civil, constructive dialogue," said Mr. McCourt in his statement. 

Mr. McCourt noted that the Town of Canton respects the legal process and the role of the jury in weighing facts and rendering a verdict. He thanked jury members for their service and attention at the trial of the past several weeks. 

Ms. Read was accused by prosecutors of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, by backing her car into him on a snowy winter evening in 2022 and leaving him to die. In her defense, Ms. Read's attorneys and her supporters have alleged that it was not Ms. Read's vehicle, but injuries caused by others at a party -  including potentially members of law enforcement - in a cover-up that caused Mr. O'Keefe's death.

The jury acquitted Ms. Read of the charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter, and convicted her on the lesser charge of operating a motor vehicle under the influence.

Thanks to the Town of Canton for sharing Select Board Chair John McCourt's statement, which has been used in this Westwood Minute article.

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