Lifetime Movie on Karen Read Case Set for January Premiere

The story of a Massachusetts woman who was accused and later acquitted of killing her police officer boyfriend is the focus of the Lifetime movie, Accused: The Karen Read Story.

This week the network announced three new “Ripped From the Headlines” films about women at the center of cases that made national headlines.

The true-crime slate includes Stolen Girl about a young girl abducted by her father and taken to the Middle East; I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco on a woman who was shot in the head by her husband’s teenage lover; and Accused: The Karen Read Story about the sensational case of a financial analyst facing a manslaughter charge in connection with the death of her partner.

Stolen Girl
Premieres Saturday, Jan. 3 at 8p/7c

The thriller follows a woman whose life is turned upside down when her ex-husband abducts their young daughter and flees to the Middle East. Inspired by the true story of Virginia resident Maureen Dabbagh, the film stars Kate Beckinsale and Scott Eastwood.

Determined to get her child back, Maureen (Beckinsale) partners with an ex-marine and child abduction specialist (Eastwood), who promises to find the little girl. Together, the two set off on a dangerous mission and face betrayal, corruption, and hidden agendas as they try to rescue the stolen girl and bring her home.

The film is directed by James Kent (Testament of Youth) and written by Kas Graham and Rebecca Pollock. Executive producers include Brian Erickson, Josh Goldsteun, Kas Graham, Eric Laufer, Danielle Maloni, David Polemeni, Rebecca Pollock, Giovanna Randall, Richard Salvatore, and David Tickle.

Accused: The Karen Read Story
Premieres Saturday, Jan. 10 at 8p/7c

The film follows the true story of a woman charged in connection with her boyfriend’s death. When Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe (played by Luke Humphrey) is found dead in a snowbank outside a friend’s home, his girlfriend Karen Read (Katie Cassidy), is charged with manslaughter.

The film tells the story of Read’s arrest and trial as she tries to clear her name in the tight-knit Massachusetts town of Canton. Lifetime describes the movie as a story of “resilience, integrity, and the growing movement of supporters” rallying behind Read.

The film is produced by A New England Road and Front Street Pictures for Lifetime. Allen White, Rama Diallo, Helen Verno, Judith Verno serve as executive producers.

Gregory Small and Richard Blaney wrote the script for the movie, which is directed by Linda-Lisa Hayter.

I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco
Premieres Saturday, Jan. 17 at 8p/7c.

The film starring Chloe Lanier, Dillon Casey, and Maddy Hillis will recount the story of Mary Jo Buttafuoco, a survivor and victims’ rights advocate, who narrates the film.

In May 1992, the Long Island woman was shot in the head by her husband’s 17-year-old mistress, Amy Fisher.

“It’s been 33 years since I was thrust into the true crime spotlight after surviving a near-fatal gunshot wound to the head at the hands of my husband’s teenage lover. In the years that followed, I endured extreme public scrutiny, relentless media coverage, and was often mocked and misunderstood in the public eye,” Buttafuoco said in a statement.

She continued, “What many didn’t see was the private toll it took — battling depression, suicidal thoughts, and addiction as I tried to make sense of a life that had been so violently and publicly shattered. Today, I stand not as a victim, but as a survivor who has turned unimaginable pain into purpose.”

Mary Jo Buttafuoco serves as executive producer and narrator. The film is produced by Bruce Harvey for CMW Valley Produtions Inc. in association with Studio TF1 America. Executive producers include Sheri Singer, Timothy O. Johnson, Melody diDonato. Heather Hawthorn Doyle directs from a script by Gregg McBride.