In a recent court filing, former Massachusetts State Police trooper Michael Proctor denied allegations of conspiring to wrongfully frame Karen Read for her boyfriend’s death. This lawsuit is currently being heard in federal court in Massachusetts.
Key Developments in Karen Read’s Case
Karen Read has launched a civil rights lawsuit, claiming violations during the investigation into the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John O’Keefe. Proctor is the first of eight defendants to respond formally to the suit.
Defendants in the Lawsuit
- Michael Proctor
- Yuriy Bukhenik
- Brian Tully
- Brian Albert
- Nicole Albert
- Jennifer McCabe
- Matt McCabe
- Brian Higgins
These individuals were all involved in the investigation, with Read alleging that Proctor collaborated with them to frame her due to their law enforcement connections. Proctor’s defense includes claims that his actions were conducted within the bounds of qualified immunity.
Allegations Against Proctor
Read’s lawsuit asserts that Proctor, the lead investigator in the case, engaged in a conspiracy to misrepresent the evidence against her. Her accusations stem from claims that O’Keefe died at the Albert residence, and she was unjustly accused of killing him with her vehicle. Proctor has denied that he or his associates deviated from appropriate investigative procedures.
Controversial Text Messages
Proctor’s previous conduct has come under scrutiny due to text messages where he made derogatory comments about Read. These messages included offensive remarks and a disturbing comment wishing harm upon her. Proctor’s defense argues that these texts, while inappropriate, do not equate to an acknowledgment of malicious conduct.
Defense Claims and Legal Protections
In his response, Proctor characterized the claims made by Read as “frivolous.” He argues that he acted in good faith and requests a jury trial for the charges that proceed to trial. Additionally, he maintains that no extreme or outrageous behavior characterized his actions during the investigation.
Next Steps in the Legal Proceedings
The remaining defendants in the lawsuit are required to file their responses by January 23. Prior to this civil rights suit, Read faced a wrongful death lawsuit from the O’Keefe family, which is set to continue in February after being paused during her recent trials. Read’s legal team is considering consolidating both cases for a trial, signaling a complex legal battle ahead.
