Protesters Gather in Florence to Support Woman Accused of Murder in Massachusetts
In a show of solidarity to a woman accused of murder, over a dozen individuals congregated on a popular grassy median on Highway 327, near I-95 in Florence. The group garnered significant attention from passersby, as they brandished placards and chanted in unison, “Free Karen Read.”
Details of the Crime
Karen Read is facing charges for allegedly hitting John O’Keefe, her boyfriend, with her sports utility vehicle (SUV) in an incident that occurred outside a Massachusetts residence in January of 2022. Media reports indicate that the incident took place following an evening of socializing and drink, leaving O’Keefe, a Boston police officer, out in the cold to perish in a snowstorm.
Read’s legal team came out in her defense, stating that a violent confrontation took place in the basement of the house, where O’Keefe was thrown out after sustaining injuries in a fight and subsequent dog attack. Read’s initial trial ended in a hung jury earlier this summer, and a retrial is set to take place at the beginning of next year.
Supporters Rally in Florence
Supporters from various parts of Pee Dee and Horry County joined the demonstration, including several who disclosed that while they currently reside in Massachusetts, they have no direct link to Read. For these supporters, their belief in Karen Read’s innocence propelled them to attend this protest. The group distributed informational cards to bystanders who showed interest in the case. These cards contain a QR code for those wishing to donate and financially support Read’s cause.
“We want to give people the information themselves. As they ask questions, we provide them with these cards. There’s also a QR code so they can donate to Karen and help her out,” Annette Stephenson, one of the protesters, explained.
Lauren Wilson and her partner made a trip all the way from Georgia to participate in the demonstration. “You can see this is a mess. And she deserves justice. And so does the officer who died,” Wilson articulated.
The protesters committed to staging more demonstrations if necessary, showing unwavering support for Karen Read. As the retrial approaches, public interest is expected to intensify, both in Massachusetts and in supportive communities across the country.
