Karen Read Inks Deal to Develop Screen Adaptation of Murder Case

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A retelling based on the Karen Read murder case, which resulted in a not-guilty verdict, is being developed.

LBI Productions is collaborating with Read and her main lawyer, Alan Jackson, on a scripted production based on the case that sparked widespread media coverage. This project will offer exclusive insights into the Read story not yet revealed to the public, according to the producers. CAA is handling the negotiations for the film and television rights.

On the 18th of June, the court decided that Karen Read was innocent on counts of second-degree murder and manslaughter in relation to the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O’Keefe, which occurred in 2022. The jury, however, found her guilty of a lighter charge connected to driving under the influence after deliberating for at least 22 hours since June 13. Previously, a trial involving Karen Read ended without a verdict.

During the court proceedings, Read’s legal team claimed she had been set up by the police after dropping off John O’Keefe at a party hosted by another officer. On the other hand, the prosecutors suggested that Read ran over O’Keefe, 46, with her SUV and then left the scene, but the defense insisted that he was killed inside the house and subsequently moved outside.

For three years, I’ve resided in this town alongside John. During this time, I witnessed firsthand how a small, influential circle could seemingly evade legal consequences. I battled tirelessly against this power and corruption, enlisting the aid of numerous private investigators, attorneys, and eventually, federal authorities. In the end, it was the collective support of local residents and a grassroots movement that provided me with the means to stand up for myself.”

This statement was released on Friday, following my victories in two trials.

Our upcoming project will have unique insight into both Read and Jackson’s perspectives, allowing us to delve into the prosecution, the defense’s investigation, and the societal discourse that enveloped this case.

Prior to the second court case involving Read, there were competing television documentaries from Investigation Discovery, Netflix, and others, aiming to shed light on whether Read intentionally drove her SUV over her boyfriend O’Keefe, or if she was falsely accused to shield Boston police officers implicated in his death.

Julie Yorn, head of LBI productions, stated that this legal thriller isn’t merely a typical one. Instead, it delves into the consequences of standing firm against silencing, mirroring our complex contemporary era. The story will expose hidden dimensions that have never been explored before, and we are dedicated to portraying it with a sense of urgency, subtlety, and sensitivity.

Alex Kohner from the firm Yorn Levine was in charge of negotiations involving Read and Jackson. Jared Levine, also from Yorn Levine, represented LBI Productions. Notably, LBI Entertainment, known for projects such as “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Hell or High Water,” was involved in these discussions.

A collaborative book project involving both Read and Jackson is currently in development, and their literary representative, Luke Janklow from Janklow & Nesbit, is actively seeking potential publishers for the rights to this upcoming publication.

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2025-06-27 22:25