Massachusetts Trooper Michael Proctor Fired Amid Karen Read Case Fallout

The Massachusetts State Police has terminated Michael Proctor, the lead investigator in the high-profile Karen Read case, citing misconduct and a breach of departmental standards. Proctor, a 12-year member of the force, had been under scrutiny for his handling of the investigation into the death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, who was allegedly killed in a hit-and-run by his girlfriend, Karen Read.

Read, a former finance professional, stands accused of fatally striking O'Keefe with her Lexus SUV and then leaving him to succumb to the freezing conditions of a January 2022 snowstorm. However, her first trial ended in a hung jury in July 2024, with Proctor's credibility severely undermined after his inappropriate text messages about the case were revealed in court.

These text messages, which were read aloud during the trial, included derogatory and highly offensive remarks about Read. Proctor referred to her as a "wack job," made lewd comments about her appearance, and shockingly wished for her to harm herself. He even joked about searching for explicit photos of her on her phone. Jurors reportedly reacted visibly to the content of these messages, shaking their heads in disapproval.

Following a disciplinary probe, Proctor was suspended without pay before his eventual termination. The internal investigation determined that he had shared sensitive and confidential information about the case and had engaged in behavior unbecoming of a law enforcement officer.

Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble issued a statement underscoring the department's commitment to public trust and accountability: "Our mission to deliver the highest level of police services depends on the public's trust in our professionalism and integrity. It is incumbent upon me, as well as every member of this Department, to hold one another accountable when any member compromises our mission by failing to uphold our values."

Proctor has not publicly commented on his dismissal, but his family has spoken out, calling the decision an unjust scapegoating of the veteran detective. "Despite the Massachusetts State Police's dubious and relentless efforts to find more inculpatory evidence against Michael Proctor on his phones, computers and cruiser data, the messages on his personal phone – referring to the person who [allegedly] killed a fellow beloved Boston Police Officer – are all that they found," the family said in a statement. They maintain that Proctor is neither corrupt nor incompetent and argue that his termination was unwarranted.

Read, meanwhile, has continued to contest the charges against her, suggesting that O'Keefe was killed by fellow officers in an elaborate conspiracy to frame her. Prosecutors have named no other suspects and plan to retry her on April 1, 2025. Additionally, O'Keefe's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Read.

The case has drawn significant public interest, with Read alleging police misconduct and her defense team painting a picture of a cover-up. Her new trial will be overseen by special assistant prosecutor Hank Brennan, who previously represented infamous mobster James "Whitey" Bulger.

As for Proctor, his family expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his union and colleagues, stating, "His heart is always with the family of Officer John O’Keefe who continue to endure a prolonged and unimaginable nightmare." They remain hopeful that justice will eventually prevail.