Inside the Karen Read Trial | Cocktails, Crime & Controversy

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of real criminal cases, including details that may be disturbing to some listeners.This week’s Side Bar dives into the Karen Read trial, as the hosts break down the latest developments and debate the questions everyone’s asking. ABOUT THE CASE:In January 2022, her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, was found dead in the snow outside a fellow officer’s house in Canton, Massachusetts. Prosecutors accused Read of striking O’Keefe with her SUV after a night of drinking, then leaving him to die. Her defense team countered that she was framed in a law-enforcement cover-up — claiming O’Keefe was assaulted inside the home and that Read had dropped him off safely. The first trial ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury. In June 2025, Read was acquitted of the most serious charges (murder, manslaughter and leaving the scene) but was found guilty of operating under the influence (OUI), receiving probation rather than prison._______________________________WELCOME TO SIDE BAR — a spirited spinoff of Criminal Appeal, where host Dr. Casey Jordan and co-host Dr. Colleen Butler-Sweet take their conversations from the courtroom to the cocktail bar. In these quick, 15-minute episodes, the co-hosts unwind over drinks, sharing candid takes on justice, behavior, and the stories that didn’t make it into the main show.🗓️Release Schedule : Side Bar episodes drop biweekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.🔔 Next Side Bar Episode released on Thursday 11/13/25🔔 Subscribe for More True Crime _________________________________This episode is brought to you by Litchfield Distillery — “The Spirit of Hard Work.” Based in Litchfield, Connecticut, Litchfield Distillery is known for its handcrafted, small-batch spirits made with locally sourced ingredients. From award-winning bourbons to refreshing ready-to-drink cocktails, every bottle reflects a dedication to quality and craftsmanship.Find Litchfield Distillery products at litchfielddistillery.com or visit their tasting room in Litchfield, CT to experience their full lineup in person.__________________________________Listen on your audio platforms :⁠Spotify⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠Amazon Music⁠⁠Patreon ⁠Follow along on social :⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠Website ⁠Find your hosts:⁠Dr. Casey Jordan ⁠⁠Dr. Colleen Butler-Sweet #truecrime #truecrimepodcast #truecrimecommunity #killer #karenreadcase #murdermysteryCriminal Appeal is sponsored by Ventura Law, The Accident Law Firm. Trusted by Connecticut families for over 70 years for car accidents, personal injury, and more. Learn more at www.venturalaw.com or call 203-800-8000