Karen Read descended the steps of the Norfolk County Superior Court on Wednesday a free woman, acquitted of murder.
Met by a sea of supporters, cheering and firing pink confetti cannons, there were tears and “I love you” gestures as the crowd — and Read — celebrated a long sought-after legal conclusion even one that came with a conviction on a lesser charge.
The future seems bright for the woman who has gone from homicide suspect to cult hero, but her legal battles are not quite over.
Following two criminal jury trials over the death of her police officer boyfriend, Read has become something of a celebrity to her supporters, who reveled in her acquittal this week. But the former financial analyst, who has spent more than three years as a murder suspect, still faces a civil lawsuit over John O’Keefe’s death.
It’s not entirely clear what comes next for Read. However, immediately following the verdict, she appeared to be just taking in the moment with her family.
