‘Dateline’ delves into headline-grabbing murder trial of Karen Read in two-hour special

(NBC News) — Friday on an all-new “Dateline,” a case that continues to make national headlines — the murder trial of Karen Read.

Read is accused of killing her boyfriend Boston police officer John O’Keefe who died after being found unresponsive outside a friend’s home on a snowy morning. Prosecutors said Read hit O’Keefe with her car and left him to die in the cold, while her defense team says Read is being framed for murder by the police.

The “Dateline” two-hour episode will take viewers inside this headline-making case with wide-ranging interviews, including the woman at the center of it all, Karen Read.

Here is a preview of Andrea Canning’s report:

JOHN O’KEEFE EXTENDED FAMILY: You’re just sitting there thinking, is this real life?

A monster storm had rolled into Canton, Massachusetts, and Karen Read’s boyfriend, police officer John O’Keefe, was dead. His body was discovered lying in front of another officer’s house.

KAREN READ: I didn’t know what the hell happened. How did the night end up like this?

She was charged with John’s death. Was she to blame?

KAREN READ: I felt like I was living in a nightmare.

His death a mystery; her case a cause.

JOHN O’KEEFE EXTENDED FAMILY: It was somehow lost that the reason we were there was because Johnny was killed.

All eyes focused on the spectacle outside a Massachusetts courthouse.

ALAN JACKSON, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: This was, truly, this was next level.

And the bitter battle within.

JOHN O’KEEFE EXTENDED FAMILY: If you are charged with murder, you’re gonna do everything you can.

ANDREA CANNING: The stakes are as high as they get for Karen Read.

JOHN O’KEEFE EXTENDED FAMILY: She has put my family through hell to save herself. Take accountability and do the right thing.

Watch “Dateline: The Night of the Nor’easter” Friday at 9 p.m. on NBC4.

About ‘Dateline’

“Dateline NBC” is the longest-running series in NBC primetime history and is in its 33rd season. Dateline is anchored by Lester Holt and features correspondents Blayne Alexander, Andrea Canning, Josh Mankiewicz, Keith Morrison and Dennis Murphy.

The stories range from compelling mysteries to powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. When major news breaks, they go to the scene, putting the pieces together to bring the viewer the full picture. And in every story they tell, they help the real people who lived the events share their journeys with the viewer.

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