The lead investigator in the Karen Read case has been fired after his inappropriate messages about the murder suspect were revealed during the trial. Michael Proctor, the Massachusetts State Police trooper who headed the investigation, made offensive remarks about Read while she was being tried for the killing of her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, a Boston police officer in 2022. Proctor’s derogatory comments, such as calling Read a “whack-job” and using vulgar language, were brought to light during the trial. He had also messaged his sister expressing his hope that Read would die by suicide. Proctor was relieved of duty immediately after the trial, suspended without pay, and subsequently fired in a “dishonorable discharge” by the Massachusetts State Police. The decision to terminate Proctor was based on his failure to uphold the department’s values and maintain professionalism and integrity.
