Karen Read Claims She Was Framed in New Lawsuit
In a case that has gripped Massachusetts with its twists and turns, Karen Read, recently acquitted of murdering her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, has taken a bold and unexpected step. She has reportedly filed a civil lawsuit accusing state police investigators and several of O'Keefe's friends of orchestrating his death and framing her for the crime. This lawsuit, filed in Bristol County Superior Court, alleges a web of misconduct, cover-up, and conspiracy that challenges the official narrative of the tragic January 2022 incident.
The Backdrop — a Death and a Trial
John O'Keefe was found dead in a snowbank outside the home of Brian and Nicole Albert in Canton, Massachusetts, in January 2022. The circumstances of his death quickly became the subject of intense scrutiny and legal battles. Prosecutors charged Karen Read with murder, alleging she had struck O'Keefe with her SUV after a night of heavy drinking. However, after two trials — the first ending in a hung jury and the second in an acquittal on murder charges — Read was convicted only of operating a vehicle under the influence and received probation.
The acquittal did not end the saga. Instead, Read has now launched a civil lawsuit that turns the spotlight onto the very people who investigated the case and those who were present at the fatal gathering. Her complaint reportedly names eight defendants, including former Massachusetts State Police investigator Michael Proctor, Sgt. Yuriy Bukhenik, Lt. Brian Tully, Brian and Nicole Albert, Jennifer and Matthew McCabe, and ATF agent Brian Higgins. The suit also indicates that additional parties, including the Massachusetts State Police and the Town of Canton, may be added later.
Allegations of a Conspiracy and Cover-Up
At the heart of Read's lawsuit is a dramatic and disturbing claim: that O'Keefe was killed inside the Alberts' home during a late-night party, and that the people present concocted a plan to avoid responsibility by framing Read. According to the complaint, after an altercation during the party, the group searched online for "how long to die in the cold," moved O'Keefe's body outside, and staged the scene to make it appear as though he had been hit by a vehicle and died in the snow without ever entering the house, as reported by PEOPLE.
Read's suit accuses the investigators of ignoring compelling evidence that pointed away from her. O'Keefe's injuries — bruises, lacerations, a deep gash to the back of his head, and dog bite wounds — were consistent with a physical attack, not a vehicular strike. The suit highlights that the investigators never examined the Alberts' German Shepherd, despite its history of aggression and the bite wounds on O'Keefe's arm.
Moreover, the complaint alleges that the lead investigator, Michael Proctor, had close personal ties to the Alberts, which compromised the investigation. Proctor is accused of communicating secretly with the Alberts through his sister, sharing confidential information and steering the investigation away from the house party guests and toward Read. The suit also accuses Proctor and other state police officers of conducting only cursory interviews, failing to search the house for nearly a week, and allowing witnesses to coordinate their stories.
A Toxic Investigation Environment
The lawsuit paints a picture of an investigation marred by bias and misconduct. It cites private messages from Proctor that demeaned and sexualized Read, including comments about searching her phone for nude photos and allegedly expressing hope that she would harm herself. These messages contributed to Proctor's firing earlier in 2025.
Read's legal team argues that for more than three years, she was subjected to a baseless criminal prosecution fueled by individuals who abused their authority and manipulated the investigative process. They assert that the defendants used their positions to shield the real killers and deflect blame onto Read, who they say was an innocent victim of a conspiracy.
The Defendants Push Back
The defendants named in the lawsuit have responded with strong denials. Brian and Nicole Albert, Jennifer and Matthew McCabe, and Brian Higgins have indicated plans to sue Read and a blogger for defamation, calling her allegations false and damaging to their reputations. Their attorney described the lawsuit as a "continuation of a baseless conspiracy narrative that has caused significant harm to the reputations and lives of innocent people," as reported by Boston.com, and insisted that the defendants acted responsibly and cooperated fully with the investigation.
The Legal Road Ahead
The civil lawsuit adds a new layer of complexity to an already tangled legal saga. It could be consolidated with a wrongful death suit filed by O'Keefe's family against Read, potentially streamlining discovery and trial proceedings. However, legal experts anticipate a lengthy process, with the evidentiary phase and discovery expected to extend well into late 2026.
Judge Daniel O'Shea recently dismissed one of the emotional distress claims against Read but allowed other claims to proceed, underscoring the ongoing legal battles surrounding this case. The judge acknowledged the real damages suffered by those involved, signaling that the courts will continue to grapple with the complex issues raised by the lawsuit.
References: Karen Read Sues, Says She Was Framed in O'Keefe Case | Karen Read files lawsuit alleging coverup in death of John O'Keefe | Karen Read wins part of civil lawsuit motion, loses other part - NBC Boston
