Sources: girlfriend charged in death of Boston Police Officer

A 41-year-old Mansfield woman is facing several charges, including manslaughter, in the death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe.

O’Keefe, a 16-year veteran of BPD, was found in the snow outside the home of another Boston Police Officer in Canton during Saturday’s blizzard.

Karen Read was arrested by Massachusetts State Police homicide detectives and processed at the Blue Hills State Police Barracks on Tuesday.

Sources told Boston 25 News that Read was the girlfriend of Officer O’Keefe.

In addition to a manslaughter charge, she’s also facing charges of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle collision causing death and motor vehicle homicide.

Woman charged with manslaughter in the death of an off-duty Boston Police officer heads to court Wednesday morning.

Authorities said Read drove to the Fairview area in Canton with O’Keefe in the early morning hours Saturday during the snowstorm.

O’Keefe, 46, was found unresponsive outside a home that morning and was pronounced dead several hours later.

25 investigates had previously learned that investigators were looking at the possibility O’Keefe may have been struck by a car.

Sources told 25 investigates that Read’s car was impounded and searched in Canton on Tuesday.

A law enforcement source tells me Read’s car was impounded and searched today for damage. #boston25
— Ted Daniel (@tvnewzted) February 2, 2022

More information is expected to be revealed during Read’s arraignment on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in Stoughton District Court.

BPD Superintendent-in-Chief Gregory Long released the following statement after news of Read’s arrest:

The Boston Police Department continues to grieve over the tragic loss of our brother Police Officer John O’Keefe. John was a kind person, dedicated to his family, and will be greatly missed by his coworkers and anyone who had the privilege of meeting him. Today, the Massachusetts State Police and the Norfolk County District Attorney ‘s Office arrested the person responsible for John’s death.
The Boston Police Department extends our sincere thanks to the members of the Canton Police Department, Canton Fire Department, Massachusetts State Police and Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office for their efforts from the initial response under difficult conditions to today’s arrest.
At this time, we are stunned and saddened and offer whatever support we can to John’s family. Boston Police Peer Support will be available to assist department members in need of emotional support.
— Boston Police Superintendent-in-Chief Gregory Long

Read is also works at Bentley University, teaching finance. The university released a statement Wednesday morning.

“Karen Read is an adjunct lecturer at Bentley. The university cannot comment further on an active investigation. Our thoughts go out to Officer O’Keefe’s family and loved ones.”

Boston 25 News has been covering this story since it first broke. You can view that coverage below.

[ 25 Investigates: BPD Officer found dead in Canton suffered head injury ]

[ Authorities investigating death of Boston Police officer in Canton ]

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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