Karen Read Seeks Return of Cell Phones After Murder Acquittal

Read was acquitted of murder charges 8 months ago but authorities have not returned her seized cell phones.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Karen Read, who was acquitted of murdering Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe in June 2025, is continuing her legal battle to get her cell phones returned. The phones were seized when Read was under murder indictment in January 2024, but prosecutors have not returned them even after her acquittal. Read's attorney argues the phones were only seized on a seizure warrant, not a search warrant, and that prosecutors are improperly holding them as they consider an appeal.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal issues around the seizure and return of personal property, even after a defendant has been acquitted of charges. It raises questions about the rights of individuals to regain possession of their belongings after criminal proceedings have concluded.

The details

Read was tried twice for the murder of O'Keefe, whom she was dating at the time of his death in January 2022. Her first trial in 2024 ended in a mistrial, but a second trial a year later resulted in her acquittal on all charges except drunken driving. While her 2021 Lexus SUV, which was the alleged murder weapon, has been returned, her cell phones have not. Read's attorney argues the phones were only seized on a seizure warrant, not a search warrant, and that prosecutors are improperly holding them as they consider an appeal.

  • Read was acquitted of murder charges on June 18, 2025.
  • Read's cell phones were seized in January 2024 while she was under murder indictment.
  • Prosecutors sought a search warrant for the phones 19 months after the fact, in late 2025, after Read had already been acquitted.

The players

Karen Read

A Mansfield, Massachusetts woman who was acquitted of the murder of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, with whom she was dating at the time of his death in January 2022.

Ben Urbelis

Karen Read's attorney, who is arguing for the return of her seized cell phones.

Robert Cosgrove

The special prosecutor handling the case, who says they want to hold on to the phones as they consider appealing the judge's decision.

John O'Keefe

A Boston Police Officer who was murdered in January 2022, for which Karen Read was acquitted.

Aidan Kearney

A blogger and YouTuber who writes under the 'Turtleboy' brand, and who was the subject of a separate investigation by prosecutors for witness intimidation during the Read trials.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's important to recognize that this case is done.”

— Ben Urbelis, Karen Read's attorney (Boston Herald)

“We have 30 days to file a notice of appeal of the judge's decision and it seems reasonable that we have the option to exercise that right before any decisions are made.”

— Robert Cosgrove, Special prosecutor (Boston Herald)

What’s next

The judge in the case is expected to make a decision on whether to order the return of Karen Read's cell phones in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles that can occur even after a defendant has been acquitted, as authorities seek to retain seized property as part of potential appeals. It underscores the complex balance between individual rights and the state's interests in criminal investigations.