Murder trial for Karen Read begins Monday

Jury selection gets underway at Norfolk Superior Court

Canton woman faces charges including second-degree murder in officer John O'Keefe's death

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in the trial of Karen Read, the Canton woman accused of murdering her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O'Keefe.

Read, 44, of Mansfield, Massachusetts, faces several charges including second-degree murder in the death of O'Keefe, 46, who had been an officer with the Boston Police Department for 16 years when he died in January 2023.

Prosecutors allege that Read shot O'Keefe in the head during an argument at their Canton home. Read has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The trial is expected to last several weeks. It is being held at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham.

Read's attorney, David Meier, said in a statement that his client is innocent and that he looks forward to presenting her case to the jury.

"Karen Read is a loving and devoted mother who has been falsely accused of a terrible crime," Meier said. "We are confident that the jury will find her not guilty."

O'Keefe's family and friends have said they are devastated by his death and that they hope Read is convicted of murder.

"John was a wonderful man who dedicated his life to serving others," said O'Keefe's sister, Mary O'Keefe. "We miss him every day and we want justice for his murder."