Karen Read legal proceedings

Reference TimelineLast updated APR 19
SUMMARY

Karen Read was acquitted of second-degree murder in her retrial on April 18, 2026, but convicted of operating under the influence of liquor and sentenced to one year of probation. As of April 18, 2026: Trooper Michael Gagnon was arrested and charged with unlawful wiretap, and four key witnesses in the Read trials filed a defamation lawsuit against Read and blogger Aiden Kearney. Former Massachusetts State Police trooper Michael Proctor is scheduled for a deposition on June 8, 2026, in a state court case connected to the Read trial. Read's attorneys are preparing to file a third civil case against the Town of Canton and the Massachusetts State Police, and she is scheduled for deposition this week in the wrongful death suit filed by John O'Keefe's family.

Timeline

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April 2026 — 7 developments

  1. Michael Proctor, a former Massachusetts State Police trooper, is scheduled for a deposition on June 8, 2026, in a state court case connected to the Karen Read trial.

    Michael Proctor, a former Massachusetts State Police trooper, is scheduled for a deposition on June 8, 2026, in a state court case connected to the Karen Read trial. Proctor's attorneys have requested that Read's legal team provide him with materials to refresh his memory, as he no longer has access to prosecution documents.

  2. Karen Read has been acquitted of second-degree murder in her retrial, though convicted of operating under the influence of liquor and sentenced to one year of probation.

    Karen Read has been acquitted of second-degree murder in her retrial, though convicted of operating under the influence of liquor and sentenced to one year of probation. Separately, Trooper Michael Gagnon was arrested and charged with unlawful wiretap. Additionally, four key witnesses in the Read trials have filed a defamation lawsuit against Read and blogger Aiden Kearney, alleging conspiracy and false implication in John O'Keefe's death.

  3. Trooper Michael Gagnon, who was on administrative leave, has been arrested and charged with unlawful wiretap.

    Trooper Michael Gagnon, who was on administrative leave, has been arrested and charged with unlawful wiretap. This development follows Karen Read's acquittal on murder and manslaughter charges in 2025.

  4. Four key witnesses from the Karen Read trials, including Jennifer McCabe and Brian Albert, filed a defamation lawsuit against Karen Read and blogger Aidan Kearney on April 16, 2026.

    Four key witnesses from the Karen Read trials, including Jennifer McCabe and Brian Albert, filed a defamation lawsuit against Karen Read and blogger Aidan Kearney on April 16, 2026. They allege harassment and intimidation, with Kearney also facing witness intimidation charges.

  5. Karen Read is scheduled for deposition this week in the wrongful death suit filed by John O'Keefe's family, with numerous other depositions planned throughout the summer.

    Karen Read is scheduled for deposition this week in the wrongful death suit filed by John O'Keefe's family, with numerous other depositions planned throughout the summer. Her attorneys are seeking documents related to an internal affairs investigation into Canton Police Sgt. Sean Goode, a request the town is opposing.

  6. Karen Read's attorneys accused a Canton Police sergeant of sending "vile" messages and demanded documents related to his discipline.

    Karen Read's attorneys accused a Canton Police sergeant of sending "vile" messages and demanded documents related to his discipline. In a separate development, David Yannetti, a defense attorney for Karen Read, will now represent a Boston police officer charged with manslaughter in the death of Stephenson King.

  7. A judge ruled on March 9, 2026, that Karen Read's cell phones should be returned to her, though the Norfolk District Attorney's office may retain possession pending an appeal.

    A judge ruled on March 9, 2026, that Karen Read's cell phones should be returned to her, though the Norfolk District Attorney's office may retain possession pending an appeal. This ruling comes amid a witness-intimidation investigation related to a blogger known as Turtle Boy, where Read's phones were seized.

March 2026 — 5 developments

  1. Karen Read's attorneys are preparing to file a third civil case against the Town of Canton and the Massachusetts State Police.

    Karen Read's attorneys are preparing to file a third civil case against the Town of Canton and the Massachusetts State Police. Lead detective Michael Proctor has also filed an answer to Read's amended federal complaint. Separately, an attorney for the O'Keefe family apologized for misquoting Read and withdrew a motion regarding her phones.

  2. Jury deliberations have commenced in the retrial of Karen Read, who is accused in the death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe.

    Jury deliberations have commenced in the retrial of Karen Read, who is accused in the death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe. Closing arguments were presented, with the defense stating "there was no collision" and the prosecution arguing Read left O'Keefe to die after hitting him.

  3. Lawyers for both sides agreed to a "Full File System extraction" of Karen Read's two cell phones before they are returned.

    Lawyers for both sides agreed to a "Full File System extraction" of Karen Read's two cell phones before they are returned. This extraction will capture details including factory resets, system activity, secure messaging, deleted records, and boot events.

  4. A hearing was held on March 6, 2026, concerning the extraction of data from Karen Read's cell phones prior to their return.

    A hearing was held on March 6, 2026, concerning the extraction of data from Karen Read's cell phones prior to their return. On the same day, an attorney for the O'Keefe family admitted to misquoting Read in a legal motion.

  5. An attorney for the John O'Keefe family withdrew a request to block Karen Read from retrieving her cellphones on March 6, 2026.

    An attorney for the John O'Keefe family withdrew a request to block Karen Read from retrieving her cellphones on March 6, 2026. The attorney acknowledged misinterpreting Read's words in a motion, which was a key development in the ongoing legal actions surrounding the case.

February 2026 — 5 developments

  1. Karen Read's legal team filed a corrected motion to extend the deadline to respond to pending motions to dismiss in her federal lawsuit against the 'McAlberts.

    Karen Read's legal team filed a corrected motion to extend the deadline to respond to pending motions to dismiss in her federal lawsuit against the 'McAlberts.' The defendants are opposing the extension, arguing the deadline to amend the complaint has expired.

  2. Karen Read's defense is seeking the return of her cellphones, confiscated in January 2024, arguing prosecutors waited 19 months to seek a warrant after her acquittal.

    Karen Read's defense is seeking the return of her cellphones, confiscated in January 2024, arguing prosecutors waited 19 months to seek a warrant after her acquittal. Prosecutors want the phones to investigate potential witness intimidation. A judge is also considering whether an email Read accidentally sent to opposing counsel can be used in court.

  3. Karen Read was acquitted of second-degree murder in her retrial on June 18, 2025, but convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence.

    Karen Read was acquitted of second-degree murder in her retrial on June 18, 2025, but convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence. A hearing was held on February 19, 2026, regarding the return of her confiscated cell phones, with prosecutors seeking to retain them to investigate potential witness tampering.

  4. Karen Read's defense team is seeking court intervention after she accidentally sent an email to opposing counsel on February 17, 2026.

    Karen Read's defense team is seeking court intervention after she accidentally sent an email to opposing counsel on February 17, 2026. The defense claims Read did not realize she was BCC'd on an initial email chain and believed she was only replying to her own legal team.

  5. A judge is considering whether an email Karen Read accidentally sent to opposing counsel in December 2025 can be used in court.

    A judge is considering whether an email Karen Read accidentally sent to opposing counsel in December 2025 can be used in court. The O'Keefe family's attorneys argue the email is no longer protected by attorney-client privilege and contradicts Read's previous sworn statements. Read's legal team is seeking to have the email returned.

January 2026 — 8 developments

  1. A video discusses the 'McAlberts' turning on former Massachusetts State Police detective Michael Proctor, with attorney Larry Forman discussing Brian Albert's declaration.

    A video discusses the 'McAlberts' turning on former Massachusetts State Police detective Michael Proctor, with attorney Larry Forman discussing Brian Albert's declaration. This suggests a potential shift in their stance regarding Proctor's involvement in the investigation.

  2. Massachusetts State Police Sergeant Yuri Bukhenik filed his answer to Karen Read's federal civil com…

    Massachusetts State Police Sergeant Yuri Bukhenik filed his answer to Karen Read's federal civil complaint on January 28, 2026, while lead investigator Michael Proctor filed his answer on January 24, 2026.

  3. The "house defendants" in Karen Read's federal civil case have filed a motion to dismiss her malicious prosecution claim.

    The "house defendants" in Karen Read's federal civil case have filed a motion to dismiss her malicious prosecution claim. This motion specifically addresses allegations that a defendant falsely told police John O'Keefe did not enter her home.

  4. A review of the Karen Read case highlighted that Lt.

    A review of the Karen Read case highlighted that Lt. Paul Gallagher, who led the initial investigation, did not pursue a search warrant for the home where John O'Keefe was found. This detail was reportedly questioned during her 2025 trial regarding the crime scene investigation.

  5. A 'Tully Motion to Dismiss' has been filed in the Karen Read case, specifically addressing allegations of seizure and deprivation of liberty without probable cause.

    A 'Tully Motion to Dismiss' has been filed in the Karen Read case, specifically addressing allegations of seizure and deprivation of liberty without probable cause.

  6. Karen Read and her attorney, Alan Jackson, announced a new venture called 'THE READ FILES' during an interview discussing the aftermath of her retrial.

    Karen Read and her attorney, Alan Jackson, announced a new venture called 'THE READ FILES' during an interview discussing the aftermath of her retrial.

  7. Former Massachusetts State Police detective Michael Proctor filed a formal response in federal court…

    Former Massachusetts State Police detective Michael Proctor filed a formal response in federal court on January 16, 2026, denying allegations of leading a 'corrupt and biased' investigation in Karen Read's civil lawsuit.

  8. Karen Read, recently acquitted of murder charges, gave her first interview since the verdict and revealed she is working on a book.

    Karen Read, recently acquitted of murder charges, gave her first interview since the verdict and revealed she is working on a book.

December 2025 — 1 developments

  1. Former Trooper Michael D.

    Former Trooper Michael D. Proctor's certification was suspended by the Massachusetts POST Commission, permanently barring him from working in law enforcement in Massachusetts.

October 2025 — 1 developments

September 2025 — 1 developments

  1. Newly released documents indicate that Massachusetts investigators spent nearly $865,000 on the Kare…

    Newly released documents indicate that Massachusetts investigators spent nearly $865,000 on the Karen Read retrial, including $566,000 for prosecution and $17,000 for the court transcriber.

June 2025 — 5 developments

  1. Lead investigator Michael Proctor's law enforcement license has been suspended.

    Lead investigator Michael Proctor's law enforcement license has been suspended. Separately, grand juror Jessica Leslie has agreed to plead guilty to leaking sealed information.

  2. A jury has found Karen Read not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe.

    A jury has found Karen Read not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe. However, she was found guilty of operating a vehicle under the influence. This verdict comes after her first trial ended in a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury.

  3. Jurors have reached a verdict in the retrial of Karen Read.

    Jurors have reached a verdict in the retrial of Karen Read. She was found not guilty of second-degree murder but guilty of operating a vehicle under the influence. Read was sentenced to one year of probation and a "24D" program.

  4. Karen Read was acquitted of second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter, and leaving the scene …

    Karen Read was acquitted of second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a collision causing injury or death in her retrial, but was found guilty of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

  5. Jury deliberations began in Karen Read's murder retrial, with no verdict reached on the first full day of deliberations.

    Jury deliberations began in Karen Read's murder retrial, with no verdict reached on the first full day of deliberations. Separately, Read's legal team is asking a judge to compel the district attorney to return her cellphones, confiscated in January 2024 as part of an investigation into potential witness intimidation.

May 2025 — 1 developments

  1. During the retrial, the defense questioned a police investigator about delays in booking critical evidence, including pieces of Read's taillight.

    During the retrial, the defense questioned a police investigator about delays in booking critical evidence, including pieces of Read's taillight.

April 2025 — 1 developments

  1. Karen Read's retrial on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a collision causing death began.

    Karen Read's retrial on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a collision causing death began.

March 2025 — 1 developments

  1. Former Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael D.

    Former Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael D. Proctor, the lead investigator in the case, was fired due to his actions during the investigation, including sending inappropriate text messages and providing sensitive information to non-law enforcement personnel.

August 2024 — 2 developments

  1. A Massachusetts judge denied a motion to dismiss two charges against Karen Read in August 2024, who is accused of murdering her boyfriend, John O'Keefe.

    A Massachusetts judge denied a motion to dismiss two charges against Karen Read in August 2024, who is accused of murdering her boyfriend, John O'Keefe. Read's first trial began in April 2024 and ended in a mistrial on July 1, 2024, after the jury reported being deadlocked. She faces charges including second-degree murder and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

  2. The O'Keefe family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Karen Read and two bars, accusing Read of hitting and killing O'Keefe and the bars of overserving her.

    The O'Keefe family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Karen Read and two bars, accusing Read of hitting and killing O'Keefe and the bars of overserving her.

July 2024 — 1 developments

  1. Karen Read's first trial ended in a mistrial after five days of jury deliberations due to a hung jury.

    Karen Read's first trial ended in a mistrial after five days of jury deliberations due to a hung jury.

April 2024 — 1 developments

January 2024 — 1 developments

  1. Letters between the U.

    Letters between the U.S. Department of Justice and the Norfolk District Attorney's office confirmed a federal investigation into the DA's office regarding the case.

April 2023 — 1 developments

  1. Karen Read's defense attorneys presented a theory implicating others in O'Keefe's death and alleging a law enforcement cover-up.

    Karen Read's defense attorneys presented a theory implicating others in O'Keefe's death and alleging a law enforcement cover-up.

February 2022 — 1 developments

  1. Karen Read was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with John O'Keefe's death.

    Karen Read was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with John O'Keefe's death.

January 2022 — 1 developments

  1. John O'Keefe, a Boston Police Officer, was found dead in the snow outside a Canton home, leading to an investigation into his girlfriend, Karen Read.

    John O'Keefe, a Boston Police Officer, was found dead in the snow outside a Canton home, leading to an investigation into his girlfriend, Karen Read.