On the heels of Karen Read‘s headline-making murder charge acquittal, LBI Productions is partnering with Read and her lead defense attorney, Alan Jackson, to develop a scripted project chronicling the story behind the case that sparked a national firestorm and ignited conversations about justice, power, and truth in America.
Whether the project will be for film or TV wasn’t made clear. CAA is repping Film/TV rights and plans are simultaneously underway for a book project with involvement from both Read and Jackson, with Luke Janklow of Janklow & Nesbit repping publishing rights.
The story of Karen Read — recently found not guilty after a sensational murder trial that drew wall-to-wall media coverage and inspired a fierce public reckoning — is described as more than a courtroom drama. It’s a story about a woman targeted, a defense mounted against overwhelming odds, and a system under scrutiny. With exclusive access to both Read and Jackson, the project will reveal the story behind the prosecution, the defense’s counter-investigation, and the cultural explosion that surrounded the case. Drawing on their first-hand experience, the project will reflect Read’s insight into the investigators’ conduct and showcase Jackson’s architecture of a murder defense built from the ground up in the war room.
Read was charged with the murder of Boston-area police officer John O’Keefe in February 2022, in a scenario leading up to a highly publicized legal battle. One evening, O’Keefe was found dead in a snowbank outside a home in Canton, Massachusetts, after attending a party. He was reportedly last seen leaving the house, but the circumstances surrounding his death were unclear. Initially, his death was thought to be the result of a tragic accident, possibly involving a fall. However, after further investigation, authorities began to suspect foul play, signaling out Read as a suspect.
Read, O’Keefe’s girlfriend, was charged with murder after authorities claimed she intentionally ran over him over with her SUV. Prosecutors presented evidence that they believed demonstrated Read’s intent to harm O’Keefe, but her defense argued that she had accidentally struck him in the confusion of a snowstorm. Read’s defense team also pointed out inconsistencies in the evidence and alleged flaws in the prosecution’s case.
Ultimately, in the second of two trials on her case, Read was found not guilty of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene of O’Keefe’s death. She was, however, found guilty of operating her vehicle under the influence and was sentenced to a year of probation.
In a statement on the scripted adaptation, LBI Production Head Julie Yorn said, “This isn’t just a legal thriller. It’s about what happens when a single voice refuses to be silenced. Karen’s case reflects the complicated moment in time in which we live. We will have an opportunity to show layers that have never been brought to light, and we are committed to telling the story with urgency, nuance, and care.”
Said criminal defense attorney Jackson, “This case revealed how fragile the pursuit of justice can be. Our hope is that telling this story, in all its complexity, will do what the courtroom couldn’t — show the public what it really takes to confront corruption.”
Added Read in her own statement, “I’ve lived in this town with John. I saw what it takes for a small group of powerful people to be ‘above the law.’ I struggled for over three years to overcome this power and corruption, eliciting help from tens of private investigators, multiple attorneys, and eventually – the federal government. It was ultimately a groundswell of local residents and a grassroots campaign that afforded me the resources I needed to fight back”.
Known for producing titles like Killers of the Flower Moon, Hell or High Water, and Boardwalk Empire, management and production company LBI Entertainment has five-part docuseries Mr. Scorsese coming up for release on Apple TV+ later this year.
Alex Kohner of Yorn Levine is handling negotiations on behalf of Read and Jackson. Jared Levine of Yorn Levine reps LBI Productions.
