Boston Police Officer Kelly Dever Resigns Amid Controversy

Boston Police Officer Resigns Following Contentious Testimony in Karen Read Trial

A Boston Police Officer has stepped down from her position following intense scrutiny related to her testimony in the high-profile Karen Read murder case. The resignation comes amid allegations of credibility concerns and claims of improper influence.

September 16, 2025

OfficerS Departure Follows Scrutiny in Read Case

Officer Kelly Dever, who previously served with the Canton Police Department, submitted her resignation effective September 1st. The Boston Police Department has released minimal details surrounding the circumstances of her departure, according to official statements delivered Friday.

Dever’s testimony during Read’s second murder trial drew considerable attention after a challenging cross-examination by defense attorney alan Jackson. She had been a patrol officer in canton at the time John O’Keefe was discovered unresponsive in January 2022.

The Core of the Controversy: Memory and Allegations

Prosecutors maintained that Karen Read struck O’Keefe with her vehicle while he was being dropped off at a party.However, Read’s legal team argued that she was falsely accused as part of a deliberate cover-up by law enforcement. in June, a jury acquitted Read of murder and manslaughter, convicting her only on a charge of driving under the influence.

During questioning, Dever was pressed about observations made in the police station garage where Read’s SUV was held. She initially stated she witnessed Brian Higgins and then-Chief Kenneth Berkowitz entering the garage together for an extended period. However,she later clarified that she had left the station before the vehicle arrived,describing her initial recollection as a “distorted memory,” and stated making the earlier statement would be a “lie.” She also voiced concerns that she was threatened with perjury charges by the defense if she didn’t alter her testimony.

Brady List Request and Commissioner’s Response

following Dever’s testimony,attorney Alan Jackson sent a letter to Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. The letter requested that Dever be placed on the department’s “Brady list,” a record of officers whose credibility has been called into question. Jackson argued that Dever’s reliability had been “irreparably compromised” due to the “false memory” claim, suggesting either dishonesty or a condition prone to inaccurate recollections.

Dever testified she spoke with commissioner cox before taking the stand, but maintained the conversation was not intended to influence her testimony.She asserted that Cox simply urged her to be truthful.Cox echoed those sentiments, denying any attempt to pressure her testimony. he further stated he was unaware of dever’s involvement in the Read case initially.

Ongoing Legal Battles and Civil Suit

John O’Keefe, also a Boston Police Officer, passed away while Cox was leading the Ann Arbor police Department in Michigan. karen Read now faces a wrongful death lawsuit filed by O’Keefe’s family, with a court date set for September 22nd.

Key facts: The Karen Read Case

Date of Incident	Charges Against Read (Initial)	verdict	Current Status
January 2022	Murder, Manslaughter	Acquitted of Murder & Manslaughter; convicted of DUI	Facing wrongful death lawsuit

Did You Know? The “brady list” is a crucial component of ensuring fair trials by requiring prosecutors to disclose any facts that coudl undermine the credibility of law enforcement witnesses.

Pro Tip: Understanding the concept of witness credibility is essential when evaluating the outcome of any criminal trial.

The Importance of Witness Testimony and Police Transparency

This case highlights the critical role witness testimony plays in the justice system. The accuracy and reliability of such testimony can significantly impact trial outcomes. It also underscores the importance of police transparency and accountability, particularly in high-profile investigations. Recent studies by the National Institute of Justice demonstrate that false memories can indeed influence eyewitness accounts, creating challenges in legal proceedings.

In addition, the case prompts questions about the potential for bias or undue influence within law enforcement investigations. Maintaining public trust requires rigorous internal oversight and self-reliant review of possibly compromised cases.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Karen Read Case

Q: What is the Brady list?

A: The Brady list is a compilation of law enforcement officers with a history of misconduct or credibility issues, which prosecutors are legally obligated to disclose to the defense in relevant cases.

Q: What was Officer Dever’s role in the investigation?

A: Officer Dever was a patrol officer in Canton when John O’Keefe was found, and she later provided testimony regarding observations made at the police station garage.

Q: What is the status of the civil lawsuit against Karen Read?

A: Karen Read is currently facing a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the O’Keefe family, with a court date scheduled for September 22nd.

Q: How can “false memories” impact a legal case?

A: False memories can lead witnesses to provide inaccurate or misleading testimony, potentially influencing juries and altering the course of justice.

Q: Why is transparency importent in police investigations?

A: Transparency builds public trust and ensures accountability, helping to maintain the integrity of the legal system.

What are your thoughts on the implications of this case for law enforcement accountability? share your opinions in the comments below!

What potential legal repercussions could Officer Dever face following her resignation?

The Resignation of officer Kelly Dever: A Timeline of Events

On September 16, 2025, Boston police Officer Kelly Dever officially tendered her resignation, concluding a period marked by significant controversy and internal investigations. The resignation follows weeks of public scrutiny and an internal affairs probe related to allegations of misconduct. This article details the events leading up to the resignation,the nature of the accusations,and potential implications for the Boston Police department (BPD).Key search terms related to this event include “Kelly Dever resignation,” “Boston Police misconduct,” “BPD internal affairs,” and “police officer controversy.”

Details of the Allegations & Inquiry

The controversy surrounding Officer Dever centers on accusations of excessive force during an arrest made on August 12, 2025, in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston.

* Initial Incident: Bodycam footage, initially released by a local news outlet, appeared to show Officer Dever using a level of force deemed excessive by some observers during the apprehension of a suspect wanted on outstanding warrants for property crimes.

* Citizen Complaints: Following the release of the footage, the BPD received a surge of citizen complaints regarding Officer dever’s actions. These complaints ranged from concerns about the use of force to allegations of unprofessional conduct.

* internal Affairs Investigation: The Boston Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division (IAD) instantly launched a full investigation into the incident. This included reviewing the bodycam footage, interviewing witnesses (including the suspect and other officers present at the scene), and examining Officer Dever’s prior record.

* Suspension: on august 29, 2025, Officer Dever was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the IAD investigation.This suspension was a standard procedure given the seriousness of the allegations.

* Union Portrayal: The Boston Police Superior Officers Federation (BPF) provided Officer Dever with legal representation throughout the investigation, emphasizing her years of service and previously unblemished record.

Key Evidence & public Reaction

The bodycam footage became the focal point of the debate. While supporters of Officer Dever argued that the force used was justified given the suspect’s resistance, critics pointed to specific moments in the video where they believe excessive force was employed.

* Bodycam Footage Analysis: Experts in use-of-force tactics were consulted by various news organizations to analyze the footage. Their assessments were divided, highlighting the complexities of evaluating such situations.

* social Media Response: The incident quickly gained traction on social media platforms, sparking heated discussions about police accountability and racial bias in policing. Hashtags like #BostonPolice and #KellyDever trended nationally.

* Community Protests: Several community groups organized protests calling for a thorough investigation and,if warranted,disciplinary action against Officer Dever.These protests underscored the growing demand for police reform in Boston.

* Mayor’s Statement: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu released a statement emphasizing the city’s commitment to transparency and accountability in policing, while also acknowledging the challenging job faced by law enforcement officers.

The Impact on the Boston Police Department

Officer Dever’s resignation comes at a critical time for the BPD, which has been working to rebuild public trust following years of scrutiny over issues of racial profiling and police brutality.

* Morale Concerns: The incident and subsequent investigation have reportedly taken a toll on morale within the BPD, with some officers expressing concerns about being unfairly scrutinized.

* Recruitment Challenges: The controversy could exacerbate existing challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified police officers.

* Policy Review: The BPD has announced a review of its use-of-force policies and training procedures to ensure they align with best practices and community expectations. This review will likely focus on de-escalation techniques and implicit bias training.

* Civilian Oversight: Calls for increased civilian oversight of the BPD have grown louder in the wake of the incident. Advocates argue that greater civilian involvement is essential to ensure accountability and transparency. Related search terms include “police reform Boston” and “civilian police review board.”

Officer Dever’s Service Record

Prior to the allegations, officer Kelly Dever had served with the Boston Police Department for 12 years.She received several commendations for her work in community policing and crime prevention.

* Community Involvement: Officer Dever was actively involved in several community outreach programs, including youth mentoring initiatives and neighborhood safety meetings.

* Awards and Recognition: She received a departmental commendation in 2018 for her role in resolving a hostage situation.

* training and Certifications: Officer Dever completed numerous training courses, including advanced crisis intervention training and firearms proficiency certifications.

Legal Ramifications & Future Outlook

While Officer Dever’s resignation effectively ends the internal investigation, the possibility of further legal action remains.

* Potential Civil Lawsuit: The suspect involved in the August 12th arrest could potentially file a civil lawsuit against Officer Dever and the City of Boston, alleging excessive force and violation of civil rights.

* Criminal Investigation: Depending on the findings of any autonomous investigations, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office could potentially pursue criminal charges against Officer Dever.

* Impact on Future Cases: The outcome of