Federal probe looking into handling of case by Massachusetts State Police
Jurors couldn't reach unanimous decision on charges against Read
Lead investigator Trooper Michael Proctor relieved of duty amid allegations of sending vulgar texts during investigation
Mistrial declared in Karen Read murder trial
Prosecutors accused Read of intentionally backing over boyfriend with car, but defense claims cover-up by Boston police
In a shocking turn of events, the Massachusetts State Police is facing scrutiny as a mistrial is declared in the Karen Read murder trial after jurors could not reach a unanimous decision on the charges against Read. Prosecutors accused Read of murdering her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, by intentionally backing over him with her car in 2022. However, Read's lawyers claim that O'Keefe was killed by someone else and that the case against Read is a cover-up by Boston police officers. The lead investigator in the case, Trooper Michael Proctor, has been relieved of duty amid allegations of sending vulgar and demeaning texts about Read to his family, friends, and fellow troopers during the investigation. Additionally, a federal probe is looking into the handling of the case by the State Police. The internal affairs investigation into Proctor's conduct is ongoing, and a duty status hearing has not been scheduled. Despite being relieved of duty, Proctor remains off the job but still collecting a paycheck from the State Police.
The mistrial in Read's trial has left supporters cheering for her release, while prosecutors are free to retry the case within the next year according to Massachusetts Criminal Procedure. The case against Read and her boyfriend's death continues to unravel as new evidence surfaces, raising questions about the integrity of the investigation and casting doubt on the credibility of those involved.
State Police Trooper Michael Proctor was reassigned but remains off the job after being relieved of duty following the revelation of his crude and demeaning text messages about Karen Read during her murder trial.
An internal affairs investigation into Proctor’s conduct is ongoing, and a duty status hearing has not been scheduled.
Proctor testified in court that his texts about Read had zero impact on the facts, evidence, and integrity of the investigation.
Michael Proctor, a Massachusetts State Police Trooper and lead investigator in the Karen Read murder case, had his car, gun, and gear taken away during an internal affairs investigation.
Proctor sent vulgar and demeaning texts about Karen Read to his family, friends, and fellow troopers during the investigation.
Interim Col. Jack Mawn of the Massachusetts State Police took a strong stance against Proctor's actions during his investigation of Read.
Proctor is also part of a federal probe looking into the handling of the case.
Gov. Maura Healey expressed her support for removing Proctor from the department.
