Special prosecutor Hank Brennan expressed disappointment after the jury acquitted Karen Read of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe. According to CBS News Boston, Brennan stated, "I am disappointed in the verdict and the fact that we could not achieve justice for John O'Keefe and his family. District Attorney Michael Morrissey appointed me, giving me full discretion to independently assess the case and follow the evidence no matter where it led."
Read was convicted only of drunken driving and received one year of probation. The jury deliberated for over 22 hours before reaching their decision.
Brennan also raised concerns about efforts to intimidate and harass witnesses, describing it as the antithesis of justice. He emphasized the importance of protecting witnesses from abuse and threats.
Boston 25 News reported that Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey acknowledged the verdict briefly, saying, "The jury has spoken."
Brennan offered condolences to O’Keefe’s family and called for an end to the harassment of trial participants. The full case drew national attention, and the outcome continues to spark discussions about the fairness and safety of judicial proceedings.
