As we move into Part 2 of our exploration of the Karen Read case, the story shifts from the public comfort of a bustling bar to the shadows of an afterparty where crucial events unfold. Here, the narrative tightens as relationships, phone records, and missing evidence become central to unraveling what happened on that fateful night. In today’s episode, we’ll examine pivotal moments, scrutinize discrepancies, and cover what went down at the trials.
Highlights Include:
- Early investigation drama – State Trooper Michael Proctor sent crude texts calling Read a “whack job” and claiming she was “f*****” before the autopsy even happened.
- Charges escalate – Read was first charged with manslaughter, then indicted for second-degree murder.
- Conflicting forensics – Prosecutors say taillight fragments and DNA prove she hit John. The FBI says John’s injuries are not consistent with being struck by an SUV.
- Explosive texts & voicemails – Jurors heard Karen’s dozens of calls and angry voicemails to John the night he died.
- Shady suspicions – Allegations of cover-ups, missing texts, and whether John ever entered the Albert family’s home.
- Trial bombshells –
- A paramedic testified he heard a woman say, “I hit him.”
- Family friends accused of hiding key details.
- Proctor forced to read his vulgar, biased texts on the stand.
- Accusations that evidence was planted.
- Cause of death mystery – Blunt force trauma vs. hypothermia; the Medical Examiner left John’s manner of death undetermined.
- Mistrial → retrial – First trial ended in a hung jury. In 2025, Karen faced retrial with even more evidence aired out in public.
- Verdict – Karen Read was acquitted of murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene, but convicted of DUI and sentenced to probation.
- Aftermath – Reports that Karen and her defense attorney are now working on a book and film deal. She also filed a motion to dismiss the civil suit from John’s family.
SOCIAL HASHTAGS: #KarenReadCase #TrueCrimePodcast #JohnOKeefe #CrimeSceneMystery #CoverUpOrAccident #EscapePodTraumedy #Season2Premiere #JusticeForJohn #NorEasterNightmare #CourtroomDrama #PodcastDrop #CrimeStoryUnfolds
Resources & Links
True Crime Today Podcast: The Trial of Karen Read
A Guide to the Karen Read Case
Karen Read & John O'Keefe's Relationship | Vinnie Politan Investigates
Did Dunkin' Donuts Fight Uncover Deeper Issues in Read, O'Keefe Relationship?
A Timeline of the Karen Read Case and the Story Behind the High-profile Massachusetts Murder Trial
Karen Read Case: These Are the Key Players to Know
Karen Read's Angry Voicemails to John O'Keefe
Unpacking the Second Trial and Verdict That Cleared Karen Read of Murder
Lead Investigator in Karen Read Case Fired from Massachusetts State Police After Vulgar Texts
Karen Read Accused of Killing Her Police Officer Boyfriend
Conspiracies, Cover-Up Claims, Dog Bite Analysis Swirl In Case Of Boston Cop ‘Taillight Murder’
AP/Boston Police Department
CBS Boston
Karen Read. Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Sign up to be a Patron today! Get access to the Patron-Only Facebook Group, Bonus Episodes, and more.
Do you have a story that
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!