Karen Learn‘s defense attorneys assert that law enforcement officials have wrongfully implicated her in the tragic demise of John O’Keefe. The Massachusetts law enforcement agency is rejecting these claims, insisting that their investigative procedures were entirely appropriate, even as Learn enjoys her freedom following her acquittal.

On Saturday, the State Police Association of Massachusetts made a public statement regarding the contentious case—this announcement came shortly after Learn was acquitted of both murder and manslaughter charges. This timing has drawn significant attention to the ongoing discussion surrounding the case.

The association has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of Officer O’Keefe, while also emphasizing that they respect the jury’s verdict in Learn’s trial. However, they remain firm in their belief that their police work was conducted properly and without fault.

In a pointed statement, the organization brought attention to the negative treatment that Massachusetts law enforcement officers have faced from the public, which includes numerous allegations and accusations of misconduct and unethical behavior.

The statement articulates, “As current and former members of our department continue to endure unfounded allegations, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the investigation into Officer John O’Keefe’s death has been scrutinized extensively by the State Police’s Internal Affairs and the FBI, ensuring thoroughness and integrity.”

Essentially, the Massachusetts police are unfazed by the jury’s decision. They maintain that the officers conducted themselves appropriately, irrespective of the jury’s conclusions regarding Learn’s guilt or innocence.

As of Wednesday, Learn was acquitted of serious charges including second-degree murder, manslaughter while under the influence, and leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in injury or death. However, she was found guilty of a misdemeanor charge related to operating under the influence and will serve a year of probation.

Learn’s legal team contended that she did not strike and kill John O’Keefe with her vehicle; rather, they argued that her friends, who had hosted him after she left, were responsible for his death and then leveraged their connections in law enforcement to obscure the truth.

A juror who spoke with us expressed clear support for Learn’s position, stating that he did not base his decision on mere reasonable doubt but was convinced of her innocence and believed she did not commit the alleged crime.

The friends involved—the Albert family and the McCabe family—participated in an interview on “Nightline” where they vehemently denied the accusations against them, asserting that public perceptions have unfairly caricatured them in a negative light.