Crime
In the fifth episode of “A Body in the Snow,” an emotional Karen Read fears for her future and family as the jury deliberates in her first trial.
Throughout much of her murder trial, Karen Read maintained a stoic demeanor, confidently engaging with her supporters. However, the final episode of “A Body in the Snow” reveals a different, more vulnerable side to her under the strain of the legal proceedings.
The fifth episode of this new true crime docuseries by Investigation Discovery tracks Read and her legal team as they await the verdict in her trial concerning the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. As jury deliberations continued, Read is observed crying while being comforted by her defense attorney, Alan Jackson.
In the episode, Read expressed her anxiety, stating, “The stuff that goes through your mind is like, ‘Should I go to the bathroom?’ Because if I’m handcuffed, I won’t be able to go.” She also revealed, “I haven’t hugged my dad today,” prompting reassurance from Jackson.
Read, aged 45, faces allegations of having fatally struck O’Keefe with her SUV in a drunken rage after dropping him off at a party. Prosecutors contend that she abandoned him to perish in a snowstorm, while her attorneys argue that she is a victim of a conspiracy involving law enforcement. They suggest that O’Keefe might have been harmed after entering the party hosted by another Boston police officer.
‘If the worst occurs, I’ll continue to fight’
This week’s three-night airing of “A Body in the Snow” provided a recap of the case, featuring behind-the-scenes footage and personal reflections from Read as well as family and friends. As the jury deliberations continued and reports of a stalemate emerged, her earlier confidence in an acquittal waned.
Read, reflecting on the potential verdict, admitted, “I just want to go home and eat dinner.” As the court date on July 1 approached, she shared her anxious thoughts on the unfolding situation. “I’ve known I’ve got to face this verdict this whole time,” she remarked, expressing worries about the impact on her parents. “If it’s the worst-case scenario, I’ll have to keep fighting.”
Ultimately, a mistrial was declared by Judge Beverly Cannone, stemming from the jurors’ deadlock. Following the announcement, Read’s defense team addressed the media, emphasizing the false charges against her. They vowed to continue their battle for her acquittal, despite varied feelings about the mistrial within the legal team.
As Read processed the toll of the trial on her loved ones, she conveyed concern for her family amidst the chaos. In a poignant farewell to her legal representatives at the end of the episode, she expressed a mixture of relief and uncertainty about her future, stating, “The fight will continue.”
How to watch ‘A Body in the Snow’
All five episodes of “A Body in the Snow” can be streamed on Investigation Discovery and Max.
