The lead investigator in the Karen Read murder trial has been removed from duty by Massachusetts State Police officials following a mistrial in which jurors were unable to reach a verdict. Trooper Michael Proctor faced backlash for sending unprofessional text messages about Read, which were read in court during the trial. In these texts, Proctor referred to Read in derogatory terms and expressed inappropriate wishes. Many experts believe that Proctor’s testimony negatively impacted the prosecution’s case.
After nearly 26 hours of deliberations, the Massachusetts jury remained deadlocked on Read’s guilt or innocence in the death of her boyfriend, John O’Keefe. Read was accused of intentionally hitting O’Keefe with her SUV during an altercation and leaving him to die outside a Boston police officer’s home. She denied the charges, claiming she was framed in a cover-up to protect the Albert family, who have strong law enforcement connections.
Read’s defense team expressed their determination to continue fighting, while the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office announced their intention to retry the case. O’Keefe’s body was found in the snow in January 2022, and the trial included testimony from numerous witnesses and a large amount of evidence.
Proctor’s removal from the case highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism and integrity in law enforcement investigations. The mistrial in the Karen Read case raises questions about the impact of compromised investigators on high-profile trials and the pursuit of justice. It underscores the need for thorough and unbiased investigations to ensure fair outcomes in legal proceedings.