State Police Trooper Michael Proctor has been suspended without pay following his handling of the high-profile Karen Read murder investigation. Proctor, who was the lead investigator in the Read case, came under intense criticism after revealing vulgar text messages about Read during her trial last month. The suspension was imposed immediately after Judge Beverly Cannone declared a mistrial in the case.
During his investigation, Proctor concluded that Read murdered her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, by running him over with her car in January 2022. However, the defense team claimed that Proctor and other officers framed Read, alleging that O’Keefe died after being beaten to death at a party. Defense attorney Alan Jackson accused Proctor of having an agenda from the beginning.
Proctor’s text messages, which were forced to be read during his testimony, included derogatory remarks about Read. He referred to her as a “whack job” and expressed certainty that she would not escape punishment. Proctor admitted that his messages were unprofessional and regrettable.
The trial of Karen Read started in late April and lasted until July 1. After five days of deliberation, the jury was unable to reach a verdict. Shortly after the mistrial declaration, Proctor was relieved of duty and transferred out of his post at the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office State Police Detective Unit.
The suspension of Trooper Proctor was recommended by a board of commissioned officers, and Interim Superintendent Col. John Mawn accepted this recommendation. Proctor’s suspension will remain in effect while an internal affairs investigation takes place. The exact length of the investigation is unknown, but upon its completion, authorities will determine whether to reinstate or terminate Proctor.
The Norfolk District Attorney’s Office has stated its intention to re-try Karen Read. However, during Proctor’s duty status hearing, Read’s defense team filed a motion requesting the dismissal of two out of three charges against her. Judge Cannone had not yet ruled on this motion by Monday afternoon.
The suspension of Trooper Proctor has drawn strong reactions from both sides. Defense attorney Alan Jackson referred to him as a “misogynist, corrupt cop” and stated that the defense team looks forward to revealing the truth about the unjust prosecution in future proceedings. On the other hand, the State Police spokesperson emphasized that the decision to suspend Proctor was based on the recommendation of a board of commissioned officers.
The case of Karen Read has garnered significant attention due to its high-profile nature. The suspension of Trooper Proctor highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism and integrity in law enforcement investigations. It also raises questions about the role of personal biases and agendas in criminal cases. The outcome of the internal affairs investigation and the potential retrial of Read will be closely followed by the public and legal experts alike, as they seek justice and accountability in this complex and controversial case.
