The family of the late John O’Keefe, a Braintree native, is breaking their silence following the mistrial in the Karen Read murder case. Paul O’Keefe, John’s brother, has publicly addressed the outcome of the trial, expressing his family’s unwavering pursuit of justice for John.
Paul O’Keefe, in an exclusive interview with WCVB, revealed that the family had intentionally refrained from public statements throughout the trial. Their silence was a conscious decision, aimed at avoiding any interference with the prosecution’s case. The family held firm belief that the legal process would culminate in a guilty verdict for Karen Read, the woman accused of second-degree murder in John O’Keefe’s death. However, with the recent mistrial declaration, and the prosecutor’s announcement of a retrial, the John O’Keefe family is now making their voice heard.
The O’Keefe family has endured profound loss prior to John’s death. In 2013, they mourned the passing of their sister Kristen, who succumbed to a brain tumor. Tragedy struck again just months later when Kristen’s husband suffered a fatal heart attack. Following these devastating events, John O’Keefe stepped forward, demonstrating his selfless character by becoming the guardian of his young niece and nephew, taking them into his Canton home. Paul O’Keefe emphasized this act of profound generosity, stating, “People say they would take their shirt off their back or do anything for anybody. But many people don’t get a chance to prove that. … He proved all of that.” This testament underscores the deep sense of family and commitment that defined John O’Keefe.
Throughout the 29 days of testimony in the Karen Read trial, Paul O’Keefe became a consistent and visible presence in the courtroom. Leading his family in each day, he deliberately chose a seat in the front row, just a few feet from Karen Read and directly in the line of the courtroom camera. “Nobody really wanted that first seat. I’ll take the camera on me,” Paul O’Keefe explained. This decision was not merely about facing the cameras; it was a deliberate act of solidarity and a message to the accused. “But also, I wanted Karen to know I’m here. And I’m not going anywhere. And I’m going to be here every day,” he asserted, highlighting the family’s steadfast resolve.
Paul O’Keefe’s connection to Karen Read predates the tragic events. He had known her since 2020 when she rekindled a relationship with his brother John. However, since Read’s arrest in 2022, charged with the murder of John O’Keefe by allegedly backing her SUV into him, Paul O’Keefe has firmly rejected her defense narrative. He dismissed the defense’s claims that someone else was responsible for his brother’s death and that law enforcement was engaged in a cover-up to frame Read.
The visible support for Karen Read outside the courthouse also drew criticism from Paul O’Keefe. He expressed disappointment at the crowds of Read’s supporters, stating, “A group of people that are just, you know, they’re just never going to be convinced.” He further commented on their actions, “And those are the people that are out there wearing their pink shirts and tailgating and, you know, having a good old time while there’s a murder trial going on inside the courthouse,” conveying his dismay at what he perceived as a lack of seriousness surrounding the proceedings.
In a symbolic gesture during closing arguments, Paul O’Keefe extended an invitation to individuals whom the defense had attempted to implicate in John’s death to sit with his family. “It was just our way of saying, you know, we don’t believe any of this stuff,” O’Keefe clarified, underscoring the family’s unified rejection of the defense’s accusations and theories.
Following the declaration of a mistrial, Paul O’Keefe had a brief but pointed interaction with Karen Read. Recounting the moment, he stated, “I just walked by her, and I said, ‘You’re not done yet.’ That’s all,” a stark message that encapsulates the John O’Keefe family’s unwavering commitment to pursuing justice and their belief that this legal battle is far from over. The family’s determination signals their continued fight to ensure accountability for John’s death and to uphold his memory.
