Additional Coverage:
- Trooper fired over Karen Read investigation handled case with ‘honor and integrity,’ his supervisor says (nbcnews.com)
Dedham, Mass. — Testimony in the Karen Read murder retrial this week focused on the conduct of former state trooper Michael Proctor and the disciplinary actions taken against his supervisor. Read is accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, in January 2022.
Sgt. Yuri Bukhenik, Proctor’s supervisor, admitted under oath to receiving disciplinary action related to Proctor’s misconduct.
Proctor was fired after Read’s first trial for sending derogatory messages about Read and sharing confidential case details. Despite this, Bukhenik maintained that the investigation was conducted with “honor and integrity,” asserting that any personal biases did not impact the outcome.
Proctor has not testified in the retrial. He previously admitted that his comments about Read were unprofessional, but claimed they didn’t compromise the investigation. His family has defended him, citing his 12-year record prior to this incident.
The defense highlighted a text message exchange where Proctor, while searching Read’s phone, made offensive remarks about her and her lawyer. Bukhenik, included in the group thread, responded with a thumbs-up emoji.
He testified that he didn’t read the messages at the time due to being on duty at the airport. He later lost five vacation days for inaccuracies in Proctor’s performance evaluation and inadequate supervision.
Defense lawyer Alan Jackson questioned Bukhenik about Proctor’s role, emphasizing that he was one of several troopers on the case. Bukhenik agreed and stated that he didn’t believe Proctor’s involvement tainted the investigation, reiterating his belief in the integrity of the process.
Read is charged with second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter while driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of a fatal collision. Her first trial ended in a hung jury.
The prosecution alleges she intentionally struck O’Keefe with her vehicle. The defense claims she’s a victim of a conspiracy and cover-up, suggesting O’Keefe was injured inside a friend’s house and later placed outside.