Massachusetts State Police Investigator Fired After Misconduct in High-Profile Murder Case

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (WHDH) — Michael Proctor, the Massachusetts State Police investigator whose conduct was scrutinized during the Karen Read murder trial, has been fired, officials announced Wednesday. Proctor’s dismissal follows a Trial Board’s recommendation, where he was found guilty of unsatisfactory performance and consuming alcohol while on duty.

The board’s hearings, which began in January, revealed that Proctor sent ‘derogatory, defamatory, and otherwise inappropriate’ text messages about Read, the woman charged in the 2022 death of Boston police officer John O'Keefe. His text messages included vulgar language and expressions of extreme bias.

Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, head of the Massachusetts State Police, stated, ‘My decision to terminate Mr. Proctor follows a thorough, fair, and impartial process. This decision reflects our unwavering commitment to upholding our values and ensuring the highest standards of service and accountability.’

The text messages shared by Proctor came to light during the trial of Read, who is accused of killing O’Keefe by deliberately running him over with her SUV. Proctor acknowledged in court that he sent offensive messages, including one that expressed hope that Read would ‘kill herself.’ He admitted on the stand that emotions affected his language but maintained that the language did not compromise the investigation’s integrity.

Proctor’s family expressed deep disappointment with the decision, stating, ‘This lacks precedent and unfairly exploits and scapegoats one of their own, a trooper with a 12-year unblemished record.’ They argued that the focus should remain on the investigation’s integrity, which they believe Proctor maintained.

The trial against Read is set to resume on April 1 after a previous trial ended in a hung jury last summer. Her defense maintains that she is innocent of all charges and that Proctor’s biased behavior impacted the investigation.

A legal expert commented on Proctor’s firing, praising it as a win for police accountability. Suffolk Law professor Rosanna Cavallaro noted, ‘This kind of behavior can’t be tolerated.’ She emphasized the importance of upholding professionalism in law enforcement, particularly in sensitive investigations.

The termination of Proctor raises broader questions regarding the conduct of law enforcement personnel and their accountability, especially in high-profile cases with significant media attention. Advocates argue that this decision is a step toward enhancing public trust in policing.

While Proctor’s attorney Daniel J. Moynihan stated they plan to appeal the termination, the Massachusetts State Police have indicated confidence in the sufficiency of evidence supporting the board’s decision. The department has expressed condolences to O’Keefe’s family, underscoring the importance of maintaining high standards within their ranks.

This ongoing case continues to attract significant media and public interest, reflecting the complexities surrounding law enforcement conduct and the pursuit of justice in serious criminal matters.