Former Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor recently defended himself against allegations that he attempted to frame Karen Read in the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John O’Keefe. In an interview on NBC’s “Dateline,” Proctor dismissed the accusations as baseless, stating that there is no evidence to support the claims. He firmly rejected the idea that he tampered with any evidence, including Read’s car, asserting, “I would never do something like that.” Proctor was previously the lead investigator in Read’s controversial case and has faced scrutiny for sharing derogatory texts about her, with some internal reviews indicating that his behavior displayed significant bias.
Moreover, Proctor’s communication style drew ire as he disclosed “sensitive or confidential information,” referring to Read in derogatory terms in text messages. In a somewhat baffling defense, Proctor compared his lapse in judgment to moments everyone might have on their personal devices, stating that he privately expressed emotions he now regrets. He perpetuated the idea that his misconduct does not define him, asserting, “I’ve never had a single complaint,” and remains determined to get his job back, having started an appeals process.
An update from Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble highlighted the resulting changes in departmental policies following the examination of Read’s case. Noble indicated a commitment to enhancing investigative training, oversight, and accountability, emphasizing that this would help restore public trust in the police service. The developments represent an effort to address the systemic issues the department encountered during the case, reflecting a broader concern in law enforcement regarding procedural integrity and professionalism.
In the highly publicized trial, jurors acquitted Read of second-degree murder but found her guilty of operating a vehicle under the influence. The trial, characterized by over a month of testimony and four days of deliberation, scrutinized the events of January 29, 2022, when O’Keefe was found dead in the snow. Prosecution claims suggested that Read was intoxicated while driving, leading to O’Keefe’s death during a blizzard. However, defense attorneys argued convincingly that O’Keefe’s injuries were possibly the result of a dog attack or an altercation at an after-party, rather than a collision with Read’s car.
Witness testimony played a critical role in the trial, with friends of the couple recalling events leading up to O’Keefe’s disappearance. Inconsistent statements from Read, including her claims about hitting O’Keefe, raised questions about her credibility. Testimonies from two witnesses depicted a panicked Read who allegedly mentioned a collision, but the defense contested these assertions, suggesting that O’Keefe’s condition was due to other circumstances rather than Read’s actions.
After the verdict, special prosecutor Hank Brennan requested that Read face a year of probation in conjunction with a 24D outpatient program, standard for first-time DUI offenses. This outcome underscores the complexity of the case, where the intertwined elements of personal relationships, substance use, and investigative integrity came to the fore, illustrating both the challenges police face and the high stakes involved in criminal trials.
