A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read – Uncovering the Truth Behind a Mysterious Death

The upcoming Investigation Discovery docuseries, A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read, is poised to delve into one of the most gripping true crime cases of recent years. The series focuses on the controversial murder trial of Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, whose body was found under mysterious circumstances. 

Recently, the docuseries dropped a trailer that gave viewers a first look into Read’s side of the story. In the trailer, Karen Read finally opened up about the case that has captivated many- she maintains her innocence while raising suspicions about a possible cover-up involving law enforcement. As the trial unfolds, questions surrounding the truth of what happened that cold January morning continue to swirl. 

What can you expect from A Body in the Snow? Expect fresh insights, powerful testimonies, and dramatic twists that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew. Buckle up for a true crime ride that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat! We’ll be updating this article with new details as they emerge—stay tuned!

Release date & Where to Watch

A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read will premiere on ID over three nights, from Monday, March 17, 2025, to Wednesday, March 19, 2025, with the final episode airing on March 19, 2025. All five episodes will also be available to stream on Max.

What is A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read About?

In the docuseries A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read, the case of John O'Keefe, a local police officer found dead on a fellow officer’s front lawn, is explored in-depth. Read, his girlfriend, is accused of backing her car into O’Keefe in a fit of passion and leaving him to die in the snow. However, Read maintains her innocence, with her defense suggesting a larger conspiracy involving law enforcement.

The 2024 trial ended in a mistrial, and a retrial is set for April. The docuseries offers exclusive access to key figures and provides insight into Read's mindset during the trial, along with fresh perspectives on the investigation and theories surrounding the case. As Read and her legal team prepare for the retrial, questions and emotions continue to swirl around the truth of what really happened that fateful night.

Who’s in the cast of A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read?

The cast of A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read primarily includes real-life individuals directly involved in the case. At the center of the investigation is Karen Read, the accused, who is fighting for her innocence. John O'Keefe, the victim, was a local police officer whose mysterious death is the focal point of the trial. 

Read's legal team plays a significant role, advocating for her innocence and suggesting a larger conspiracy, while prosecutors present their case, alleging that Read intentionally struck O'Keefe with her car and left him to die. 

The docuseries also features key figures from the investigation, such as law enforcement officers and witnesses, who provide crucial insights into the events surrounding the case. Additionally, legal experts offer their perspectives, helping viewers understand the trial’s complexities.

Is There a Trailer for A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read?

In the gripping trailer for A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read, viewers get an intimate look at the case ahead of her 2025 retrial. In one tense moment, a director asks, "So, did you drive your car into John?" Read's response is chilling: “It’s impossible to have any sympathy. They’re all lying.” 

The docuseries delves deep into Read’s side of the story, offering exclusive access to her, her legal team, and others close to the case. The trailer hints at shocking revelations, as Read asserts her innocence, challenging the narrative laid out by the prosecution. 

With new perspectives and raw emotions, the series promises to offer a comprehensive look at one of the most controversial trials.

Episode Guide

• Season 1 Episode 1: What Happened at 34 Fairview? (Monday, March 17, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 2: Did I Hit Him? (Monday, March 17, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 3: How Long to Die in Cold (Tuesday, March 18, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 4: A Town Divided (Tuesday, March 18, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 5: The Verdict (Wednesday, March 19, 2025)

Who are Karen Read and John O'Keefe?

Before the incident, Karen Read, 44, worked as an adjunct professor at Bentley University and as an equity analyst at Fidelity Investments. She and John O'Keefe were in a relationship for about two years before his death in 2022, though prosecutors indicated that the latter part of their relationship was troubled.

John O'Keefe, 46, had a 16-year tenure with the Boston Police Department before his passing. Ms. Read faces several charges, including second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and leaving the scene of a fatal collision. If convicted of second-degree murder, she could be sentenced to life in prison, according to Massachusetts law. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (via BBC)

A Recap of the case

Prosecutors allege that after drinking, Karen Read dropped her boyfriend, John O'Keefe, at a house party and struck him with her car during a three-point turn before driving away. Hours later, she returned with two women and found his body in a snowbank. O'Keefe's cause of death was blunt force trauma and hypothermia. (via BBC)

Prosecutors claim their troubled relationship led Read to hit him intentionally. Testimony from O'Keefe's brother described their disagreements. Read's defense argued she was framed, and that O'Keefe was beaten inside the house before being dragged outside. They criticized the investigation, citing personal ties between investigators and partygoers.

A forensic expert also claimed O'Keefe’s injuries wouldn’t match a heavy vehicle strike. After nine weeks of testimony in 2024, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. Meanwhile, Aidan Kearny, also known as "Turtleboy," faces charges of witness intimidation for allegedly sharing case details with Read and confronting witnesses. He has pleaded not guilty.

Behind the Scenes

A Body In The Snow: The Trial of Karen Read is produced by Unsolved Productions for Investigation Discovery. The company was founded by Terry Dunn Meurer, co-creator of Unsolved Mysteries. This marks her first longform docuseries.

Sarlanis shared with Deadline, “If you are in the New England area of America, you’re probably already obsessed with [this case]. If you’re outside of the Boston metropolitan area, you’ve probably never heard of it before, and it’s incumbent on us to turn it into the next case that everyone’s talking about.”