BREAKING: A Massachusetts federal judge known for sentencing notorious mobster Whitey Bulger has been assigned to a high-profile civil case involving Karen Read, who claims she was framed for the murder of her boyfriend, John O’Keefe. The civil complaint, initially filed in Bristol Superior Court, has been transferred to the U.S. District Court in Boston, indicating a significant shift in legal proceedings.
This urgent development comes after Read’s legal team filed a complaint against multiple defendants, alleging they conspired to murder O’Keefe and then conspired to blame her. The case has attracted attention due to its connections to organized crime and the controversial actions of law enforcement.
The transfer was confirmed today, with Chief Judge Denise J. Casper overseeing the case. Casper previously sentenced Bulger to two life terms plus five years for his crimes, describing them as “unfathomable.” This historic connection adds gravity to Read’s accusations against her alleged co-conspirators, who include the Alberts, McCabes, and Brian Higgins.
Attorney Jim Tuxbury, representing the defendants, filed the motion to transfer the case, asserting that federal court is the proper venue due to allegations that Read’s civil rights were violated. Tuxbury stated, “This case arises from Plaintiff’s ongoing and malicious attempt to evade responsibility for the death of John O’Keefe.”
Read, 45, was previously indicted on multiple charges, including second-degree murder, after the tragic events of January 29, 2022, when O’Keefe was found dead outside a home in Canton, Massachusetts. Prosecutors claimed Read’s SUV backed into him, leading to his demise in freezing conditions. However, Read maintains that O’Keefe was killed by others inside the house, with his body later moved to make it appear as though he was struck by a vehicle.
In a shocking twist, Read was acquitted of all charges related to O’Keefe’s death earlier this year, but was convicted of drunk driving. Her ongoing civil case seeks to address what she describes as “gross misconduct” by the Massachusetts State Police, which she claims aimed to shield those actually responsible for O’Keefe’s death.
The emotional toll of this case is significant. For over three years, Read has faced public scrutiny and legal battles, asserting her innocence while alleging a conspiracy against her.
As the case unfolds in federal court, all eyes will be on the proceedings, which are expected to delve deeper into the allegations of misconduct and the controversial history surrounding both Read and Bulger.
Legal experts suggest that the outcome could have profound implications not only for Read but also for the transparency of the criminal justice system in Massachusetts.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as it reaches a critical juncture in federal court.
