Karen Read Supporters Rally for Accused Cop Killer, Compare Her to Vietnam War Protesters

Karen Read, the Massachusetts woman accused of killing her police officer boyfriend in January 2022, has garnered a vocal group of supporters who rallied for her on Labor Day. Read has compared her supporters to Vietnam War protesters, claiming she is a victim of a police conspiracy.

Karen Read, the Massachusetts woman accused of fatally running over her police officer boyfriend in January 2022, has sparked a fierce debate among the public, with supporters rallying for her in Massachusetts on Labor Day. Read has made bold claims of a police conspiracy against her, comparing her supporters to Vietnam War protesters.

Read sat down for her first media interview this week, speaking with ABC's "20/20" about her belief that the police framed her for the murder of her boyfriend, 46-year-old John O'Keefe. Read claims that O'Keefe was fatally injured in an altercation at a house party and left outside to frame her for the crime.

Karen Read Supporters Rally for Accused Cop Killer, Compare Her to Vietnam War Protesters

The defense has pointed to the placement of injuries on O'Keefe's body, including trauma to the head and hands, as evidence that he was attacked and not hit by a large vehicle. However, prosecutors have countered with evidence such as a broken tail light on Read's Lexus SUV, shards of which were found on O'Keefe's body.

Read has also been accused of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident, with her blood alcohol content far above the legal limit. Furious voicemails left on O'Keefe's phone by Read, in which she expresses hate and infidelity, have also been cited as evidence against her.

Karen Read Supporters Rally for Accused Cop Killer, Compare Her to Vietnam War Protesters

Despite the charges, Read has garnered a significant following of supporters who believe in her innocence. They have attended her court appearances in droves, chanting slogans and holding signs. Following a mistrial in July, Read thanked her supporters for their bravery, comparing them to those who protested the Vietnam War.

Read's supporters have been particularly vocal in their criticism of the police, accusing them of planting evidence and framing her for the crime. They have rallied in front of the Registry of Deeds building in Massachusetts and at other locations, holding signs that read "Karen Read is innocent" and "End police brutality."

Karen Read Supporters Rally for Accused Cop Killer, Compare Her to Vietnam War Protesters

The bizarre and twisting trial has garnered national attention, with the public divided in their opinions on Read's guilt or innocence. While some support her claims of a conspiracy, others believe she is responsible for O'Keefe's death. The complex case has sparked a debate about the role of evidence and the public's perception of justice.

Prosecutors plan to retry Read in January, and the outcome of the trial remains uncertain. Regardless of the verdict, the case has highlighted the deep divisions within the community and the power of public opinion in shaping criminal justice.

Karen Read Supporters Rally for Accused Cop Killer, Compare Her to Vietnam War Protesters