Karen Read, acquitted in two high-profile murder trials, has launched a civil lawsuit against Massachusetts State Police, several troopers, and members of a prominent Canton family, alleging conspiracy and civil rights violations. The Plymouth County lawsuit marks a bold escalation in a case that has gripped the region with its twists and accusations of misconduct.
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| Courtroom sketch of Karen Read in Plymouth County Superior Court, with attorneys presenting documents. Caption: Karen Read’s legal team announces a civil lawsuit against state police and others in Plymouth County, September 2025 |
The suit, announced Monday, targets the State Police, three troopers—some fired or transferred—and four Albert family members present at the Canton home where Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe died in January 2022. Read was accused of killing O’Keefe by striking him with her vehicle, but juries in two trials found her not guilty. Her attorneys now claim authorities framed her to protect insiders.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Norfolk County, District Attorney Michael Morrissey persists in pursuing charges against Read and Aidan Kearney, the independent journalist known as “Turtleboy” who has covered alleged cover-ups in the case. Kearney faces witness intimidation charges, though grand juries have declined to indict either him or Read. Morrissey has appointed special prosecutors to handle the cases, as his own staff has avoided involvement due to conflicts.
Victims or Perpetrators? A Tale of Two Counties
The case’s complexity is evident in its dual narratives: individuals labeled victims in Norfolk County are defendants in Plymouth, and vice versa. Court filings from Kearney’s defense reveal redacted emails and texts among key figures, including Jennifer McCabe, a witness at the scene. These communications, partially sealed by Judge Michael Doolin, hint at concerns over media scrutiny and shifting accounts of O’Keefe’s death.
Kearney’s attorneys are pushing to unseal these records, arguing they expose misconduct. One filing cites former Trooper Michael Proctor, now fired, who allegedly dismissed concerns about arresting Kearney, prioritizing silencing his reporting. Proctor is among those named in Read’s lawsuit.
A Fight for Accountability
The case has sparked debate over prosecutorial overreach and First Amendment rights. Kearney’s coverage, which gained traction in April 2023, challenged official narratives and prompted federal inquiries. Morrissey’s efforts to curb Kearney’s reporting—including failed restraining orders and a widely criticized video statement—have fueled accusations of retaliation.
Recent weeks have seen turmoil in Morrissey’s prosecution team, with one special prosecutor removed, another resigning, and a third stepping back from related cases. Today, Kearney appears in Norfolk Superior Court to seek dismissal of charges and access to more evidence.
Karen Read’s Lawsuit Could Shake Up O’Keefe Case
Read’s lawsuit could uncover new details about O’Keefe’s death and the investigation’s handling, potentially leading to significant financial and legal consequences for those named. Legal analysts suggest a successful suit might reshape perceptions of accountability in Massachusetts law enforcement.
For the latest updates, follow the Karen Read case. Related books, including “Mass Corruption: Vol. 1 The Cops” by Howie Carr, are available for pre-order online.
This article is based on court documents and public records. All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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