State Police Trooper Michael Proctor took the stand in the Karen Read murder trial on Monday, marking a significant moment in the highly anticipated case. Proctor, who served as the lead investigator in the Read case, followed the testimonies of State Police Det. Sgt. Yuriy Bukhenik and Dighton Police Sgt. Nicholas Barros. As of midday, Proctor remained on the stand, providing crucial insights into the investigation.
Karen Read, a 44-year-old woman from Mansfield, is facing charges, including second-degree murder, after allegedly hitting her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, with her SUV and leaving him to die outside a Canton home. However, Read’s defense team maintains that she is being framed and argues that O’Keefe was actually beaten to death during a party inside the Albert home. They have accused Proctor of being involved in a cover-up and have raised questions about his handling of evidence.
On Monday, Judge Beverly Cannone heard arguments over a new motion from the prosecution to block testimony from emergency room doctor Marie Russell. The defense argued that the state’s claims were “outrageous” and defended their integrity. The judge expressed her intention to conduct a voir dire session to thoroughly investigate the defense witnesses. However, she also voiced concerns about a previous statement made to the jury regarding the timeline of the case.
During cross-examination, Bukhenik faced questions about video evidence that initially appeared to show the passenger’s side of Read’s SUV but was later revealed to be inverted, showing the driver’s side. Defense attorney Alan Jackson challenged the accuracy of the video and raised concerns about gaps in the recording. After a sidebar discussion, Jackson presented new video evidence that corrected the inversion issue, and Bukhenik acknowledged its accuracy.
Prosecutor Adam Lally redirected questioning and asked Bukhenik directly about any manipulation of the tail light on Read’s Lexus. Bukhenik vehemently denied any involvement. Following Bukhenik’s testimony, Dighton Police Sgt. Nicholas Barros took the stand and described the damage to Read’s SUV that he observed. Barros confirmed that there was damage to the right rear tail light but noted that it was not completely damaged and had snow caked on it.
The highly-anticipated testimony of Trooper Michael Proctor finally took place, making him the 57th witness for the prosecution. Proctor revealed that he received information from a paramedic in Canton stating that O’Keefe had a slim chance of survival. He emphasized that he rarely conducted witness interviews alone but made an exception for a hard-to-find witness. Proctor visited Jennifer McCabe, who had been at the party at the Alberts’ house and was with Read during the search for O’Keefe. He then visited Good Samaritan Hospital, where he observed O’Keefe’s body and clothing.
Proctor noted several injuries on O’Keefe’s body, including abrasions on his right arm and swelling and bruising around his eyes. These details shed light on the physical condition of the victim, providing crucial evidence for the case.
As the trial continues to unfold, it is crucial to consider the testimonies and evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense. The arguments, motions, and cross-examinations are essential elements in determining the truth behind Karen Read’s involvement in Officer John O’Keefe’s tragic death. Stay updated with 7NEWS for the latest developments in this ongoing trial.
