Former Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor is facing accusations of corruption following the high-profile Karen Read murder case, where he served as the lead investigator. During a recent interview on NBC’s “Dateline,” Proctor dismissed the allegations as absurd, claiming there is no evidence to support the claims that he tried to frame Read for the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe.
Proctor, who was the lead investigator in Read’s case, shared derogatory texts about her and shared sensitive information, according to an internal review. However, he insisted that his texts were a lapse in judgment and not indicative of his character. Read was found not guilty of second-degree murder but guilty of operating a vehicle while under the influence.
The former Massachusetts State Trooper also responded to accusations that his text messages about Read were inappropriate. He argued that individuals should have an expectation of privacy on their personal phones. He also told ABC’s “20/20” that he allowed his emotions to get too involved when he sent those texts, expressing regret over the negative way he expressed them.
In a statement posted to X, Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble said new policies have been implemented following Read’s case. “The events of the last three years have challenged our Department to thoroughly review our actions and take concrete steps to deliver advanced investigative training, ensure appropriate oversight, and enhance accountability. Under my direction as Colonel, the State Police has, and will continue to, improve in these regards. Our focus remains on delivering excellent police services that reflect the value of professionalism and maintain public trust,” Noble said.
Jurors on Wednesday found Read not guilty of second-degree murder but found her guilty of operating a vehicle while under the influence with a blood-alcohol level of .08% or greater. Following the verdict, special prosecutor Hank Brennan requested Read undergo 1 year of probation in addition to a 24D outpatient program, which is routine for the first drunken driving offense.
The verdict came following 30 days of testimony and four days of jury deliberation. Prosecutors initially alleged Read killed her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe on Jan. 29, 2022 while she was driving her car drunk during a blizzard. O’Keefe was found during the early morning hours of Jan. 29, 2022, with his body lying in the snow.
Kerry Roberts and Jennifer McCabe both testified against her, telling jurors that Read was panicked when she called them on the morning of Jan. 29, 2022 saying O’Keefe was missing. McCabe alleged that Read repeated the phrase “I hit him” on the morning he went missing. Timothy Nuttall, a paramedic, also said in court that he heard Read saying “I hit him” three times.
Witnesses testified that Read and O’Keefe were drinking with friends, which included McCabe, in Canton and were invited to an after-party at Brian Albert’s house, but the couple didn’t attend. Read’s defense team, however, maintained that Read never hit O’Keefe. Her lawyers blamed O’Keefe’s injuries on a dog attack as well as an altercation with men at the after-party.
According to witnesses who testified in court, while Read’s car was outside Albert’s house, she and O’Keefe weren’t seen at the after-party. Read told reporters that she saw O’Keefe enter the house prior to her driving away.