If you’ve been refreshing your feed wondering about the next chapter in the Norfolk County saga, here’s the blunt truth: the Karen Read retrial already happened, and it changed everything.
People are still searching for a "future" date because the first trial in 2024 ended in such a chaotic mistrial that it felt like it would never end. But the second round—the actual retrial—wrapped up in June 2025.
Karen Read was acquitted of the most serious charges, including second-degree murder, in the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. Honestly, for many who followed the "Free Karen Read" movement or the "Canton Cover-up" theories, the verdict was the seismic event they’d been waiting for. But if you’re looking for her to be back in a courtroom in 2026, you aren't wrong; it just won't be for a murder charge.
The Verdict That Ended the Retrial
The when is Karen Read retrial question was officially answered between April and June 2025. This wasn't just a repeat of the first trial. It was more intense.
Special Prosecutor Hank Brennan took the lead for the Commonwealth, replacing the primary roles of the previous team. The defense, led by Alan Jackson and David Yannetti, doubled down on their theory that O’Keefe was killed inside 34 Fairview Road and moved to the front lawn. They didn't just suggest a frame-up; they attacked the credibility of the Massachusetts State Police investigation with everything they had.
👉 See also: Who's the Next Pope: Why Most Predictions Are Basically Guesswork
After weeks of testimony involving "Lucky" the snowplow driver, digital forensic analysts, and accident reconstruction experts, the jury reached a decision on June 18, 2025.
- Not Guilty: Second-degree murder.
- Not Guilty: Manslaughter while operating under the influence.
- Not Guilty: Leaving the scene of a personal injury and death.
There was one "Guilty" verdict, though. The jury convicted Read of a lesser offense: operating under the influence (OUI). For that, she received a standard sentence for a first-time offender, including probation.
Why People Think There Is Still a Trial Coming
It is confusing. You’ve probably seen headlines about Karen Read being "back in court" in early 2026. This isn't a third murder trial. Double jeopardy prevents her from being tried again for the charges she was acquitted of in the retrial.
The reason she’s still in the news is the massive civil lawsuit and her own retaliatory legal actions. The family of John O’Keefe filed a wrongful death lawsuit against her, and that case is very much alive. In fact, a hearing for that civil suit was scheduled for January 6, 2026, but it got postponed.
✨ Don't miss: Recent Obituaries in Charlottesville VA: What Most People Get Wrong
Read is also on the offensive now. She has filed her own lawsuits against several members of law enforcement and witnesses from her criminal trials, alleging a massive conspiracy and civil rights violations.
Key Dates for 2026
While the criminal Karen Read retrial is over, the legal calendar for 2026 is packed:
- February 2026: Read is expected back in court for proceedings related to the wrongful death claim.
- Spring 2026: Potential start dates for depositions in her civil suit against the investigators.
- Ongoing: The fallout from the Michael Proctor investigation. The former lead investigator was fired from the State Police, and his own legal troubles continue to shadow the case.
The Aftermath in Canton
The community is basically split down the middle. Even with an acquittal, the tension hasn't faded. You’ve got people who still believe the evidence showed her Lexus tail light was the "smoking gun," and others who think the entire Norfolk County DA’s office needs a total overhaul.
Interestingly, Michael Morrissey, the Norfolk County District Attorney who oversaw the prosecution, announced in January 2026 that he will not seek reelection. He cited a desire to "start a new chapter," but most locals point to the plummeting public trust following the Read trials. An independent survey in 2025 showed that only 4% of registered voters in Canton supported him. That's a staggering number for a sitting DA.
🔗 Read more: Trump New Gun Laws: What Most People Get Wrong
What This Means for You
If you were waiting to watch a "third" trial on Court TV, you can stop holding your breath for a murder verdict. The criminal chapter is closed. However, the civil litigation will likely provide just as much drama, especially as Read’s team attempts to subpoena private texts and records they couldn't get their hands on during the criminal proceedings.
Karen Read herself recently said in a podcast interview that she doesn't even feel safe in Massachusetts anymore. She wants to leave. But with a mountain of civil litigation ahead, she’s tethered to the Commonwealth for the foreseeable future.
Practical Next Steps for Following the Case
If you want to stay updated on the civil side of things, here is how to cut through the noise:
- Track the Civil Docket: Look for "O'Keefe v. Read" in Plymouth Superior Court records. This is where the wrongful death movement happens.
- Monitor Federal Filings: Read’s lawsuit against the investigators has moved into federal territory, which often brings more transparency to document discovery.
- Watch the DA Election: The race to replace Michael Morrissey in November 2026 will likely be a referendum on how the Read case was handled from day one.
The "retrial" might be history, but the legal war is just entering a new phase.