Lead Investigator in Karen Read Case Fired Amidst Controversy

The Massachusetts State Police have terminated Michael Proctor, the lead investigator in the high-profile Karen Read case, a move that has sparked outrage from his family and reignited debate over the integrity of the investigation. Proctor, a 12-year veteran of the force, was responsible for overseeing the probe into the death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, whose girlfriend, Karen Read, stands accused of his murder.

Read, a 45-year-old former finance professional, is alleged to have struck O’Keefe with her SUV and left him to die in a snowstorm in January 2022. The case has garnered significant media attention, fueled by accusations of a cover-up and a sprawling conspiracy, and Read’s murder trial ended in a hung jury on July 1, 2024, leaving the case unresolved.

Proctor’s termination stems from the fallout of the trial, where a series of crude and disrespectful text messages he sent regarding the case were revealed during his testimony. These messages, which included derogatory remarks about Read, severely damaged his credibility and cast a shadow over the entire investigation.

The texts, described as "rude and lewd," revealed Proctor’s personal opinions and biases towards Read. He referred to her as a "wack job," a "babe… with no a–," and a "c—." He also expressed a desire for her to commit suicide and made light of searching her phone for nude selfies. The impact on the jury was evident, with reports of jurors visibly shaking their heads as the messages were read aloud.

Following the trial, Proctor was suspended without pay pending an internal disciplinary review. The review concluded that he had improperly shared "sensitive or confidential information" about the homicide investigation and sent "derogatory texts," leading to his dismissal from the force.

Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble addressed the termination in a statement, emphasizing the importance of public trust in the department’s professionalism and integrity. "Our mission to deliver the highest level of police services depends on the public’s trust in our professionalism and integrity," Noble said. "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 remained silent on the matter, but his family has vehemently defended him, claiming he is being unfairly scapegoated. His sister, Courtney Proctor, highlighted his "unblemished record" prior to the Read case. In a statement to Fox News Digital, the family argued that despite an extensive search of Proctor’s phones, computers, and cruiser data, the derogatory messages were the only evidence of wrongdoing found.

The family contends that the messages, while inappropriate, do not indicate corruption or incompetence. "The messages prove one thing, and that Michael is human – not corrupt, not incompetent in his role as a homicide detective, and certainly not unfit to continue to be a Massachusetts State Trooper," the family stated.

The Read case has been marked by controversy and speculation, with Read’s defense team alleging that O’Keefe was murdered by fellow police officers who then orchestrated a conspiracy to frame her. Prosecutors, however, maintain that Read struck O’Keefe with her Lexus SUV after a night of drinking and left him to die in the snow.

Prosecutors intend to retry Read on April 1, with a special assistant prosecutor, Hank Brennan, taking the lead. Brennan previously represented the infamous mobster James "Whitey" Bulger, adding another layer of complexity to the already intricate case.

O’Keefe’s family has also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Read.

Proctor’s family maintains that he conducted a "meticulous and thorough investigation of integrity" and that he believes justice will ultimately be served. They expressed gratitude for the support of the union and the men and women of the Massachusetts State Police, and emphasized Proctor’s continued concern for the O’Keefe family. "His heart is always with the family of Officer John O’Keefe who continue to endure a prolonged and unimaginable nightmare," they said.

Read’s media appearances and public defense have been met with criticism from Proctor’s wife. Read continues to assert her innocence and accuse law enforcement of a cover-up.

The termination of Michael Proctor has undoubtedly complicated the Karen Read case, raising questions about the integrity of the investigation and the potential for bias. The discovery of the derogatory text messages has provided ammunition for Read’s defense team and fueled speculation about a conspiracy. As the case moves forward, the focus will be on ensuring a fair trial and uncovering the truth behind John O’Keefe’s death, despite the challenges posed by the controversy surrounding the lead investigator. The situation has significantly undermined public trust, and the fallout will likely continue to shape perceptions of the case.