Karen Read was acquitted of murder, now she's suing the people she claims framed her
Acquitted this summer in a high-profile murder trial that sparked conspiracy theories and drew backlash against law enforcement investigators, Karen Read is moving from defense to offense.
On Tuesday, she filed a new lawsuit naming the lead investigator, Michael Proctor, who was fired due to his conduct while investigating Read , his supervisors at the Massachusetts State Police, and five witnesses who were at the center of her murder trial: Brian Albert, Nicole Albert, Jennifer McCabe, Matthew McCabe and Brian Higgins.
In a 46-page lawsuit, Read goes into details about her claims about what happened on the night of Jan. 28 into Jan. 29, 2022, when her then-boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, died in Canton.
Karen Read hugs a supporter after trial on Friday, June 13.
Karen Read hugs a supporter after trial on Friday, June 13.
Karen read leaves Dedham's Norfolk Superior Court on Friday, June 13. Jurors heard closing arguments from Read's defense, then the prosecution, before a short lunch break.
Folks gather outside the courthouse on Friday, June 13, for the Karen Read trial.
Folks gather outside the courthouse on Friday, June 13, for the Karen Read trial.
Folks gather outside the courthouse on Friday, June 13, for the Karen Read trial.
Folks gather outside the courthouse on Friday, June 13, for the Karen Read trial.
Folks gather outside the courthouse on Friday, June 13, for the Karen Read trial.
Folks gather outside the courthouse on Friday, June 13, for the Karen Read trial.
Folks gather outside the courthouse on Friday, June 13, for the Karen Read trial.
Folks gather outside the courthouse on Friday, June 13, for the Karen Read trial.
Folks gather outside the courthouse on Friday, June 13, for the Karen Read trial.
Folks gather outside the courthouse on Friday, June 13, for the Karen Read trial.
Folks gather outside the courthouse on Friday, June 13, for the Karen Read trial.
Folks gather outside the courthouse on Friday, June 13, for the Karen Read trial.
Folks gather outside the courthouse on Friday, June 13, for the Karen Read trial.
Folks gather outside the courthouse on Friday, June 13, for the Karen Read trial.
Karen read leaves Dedham's Norfolk Superior Court on Friday, June 13. Jurors heard closing arguments from Read's defense, then the prosecution, before a short lunch break.
A jury acquitted Read of all charges related to his killing in June; they found her guilty of driving under the influence and she was setenced to a year's probation.
In her new lawsuit, Read is seeking to recover damages and "address the actions of those actually involved in Mr. O'Keefe's death and the law enforcement officer who abjectly failed to ensure that justice was sought and served in the aftermath of Jan. 29, 2022."
The lawsuit claims Read did not kill O'Keefe, and instead, goes into specific detail about who she believes is responsible. At trial, her defense team used a third-party culprit defense to sow doubt about the investigators' theory of O'Keefe's killing.
The civil lawsuit Read brought against the witnesses goes into explicit detail of who she says is to blame for O'Keefe's death.
The lawsuit claims O'Keefe was killed in the Alberts' home at 34 Fairview Road in Canton, "in an altercation during a late-night house party" where other defendants were after a night of heavy drinking.
"The House Defendants responsible for Mr. O'Keefe's death — some of whom had professional experience with police investigations — concocted a plan immediately after the altercation to avoid culpability and to frame Karen Read," the lawsuit states.
Brian Albert is a former member of the Boston Police Department. Brian Higgins is an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Lawyers for the Alberts, McCabes and Higgins said the claims brought by Read are "entirely false, defamatory, and without merit."
"Our clients categorically deny each and every claim. This lawsuit is nothing more than a continuation of a baseless conspiracy narrative that has caused significant harm to the reputations and lives of innocent people," the lawyers said through a spokesperson.
"Ms. Read's claims distort the facts, misrepresent the evidence, and target private citizens in an attempt to deflect blame," they continued.
ᐧAt the first trial, which led to a hung jury in the summer of 2024 , Read's lawyers were adamant that she was framed by law enforcement and other civilian witnesses. In the second trial, her defense team focused more on the investigation and pushed reasonable doubt as part of their arguments.
Read's lawsuit comes a day after lawyers representing the five civilian witnesses announced they would be seeking legal action against Read in court filings linked to a wrongful death lawsuit.
The family of O'Keefe sued Read between her two trials for wrongful death in what has become an increasingly sprawling and novel legal action.
The civil lawsuit remained largely dormant until the end of the second trial. Then in September, Read's lawyers signaled in court that they were prepared to bring counterclaims against state police members and witnesses from her murder trial — a move that would bring another 10 parties.
The lawsuit filed by Read on Tuesday seeks a jury trial on seven counts against the defendants in Bristol Superior Court.
The counts include malicious prosecution, supervisor liability on behalf of state police, conspiracy to deprive Read of her Constitutional rights, among other alleged violations.
The lawsuit does not name a specific dollar amount that Read is seeking for alleged damages.
Massachusetts State Police did not immediately return a request for comment on Tuesday.
Charlie McKenna of the MassLive staff contributed to this report .
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