The aftermath of Karen Read's mistrial in the death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe has intensified with the suspension of Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor without pay, effective immediately. Proctor, who spearheaded the investigation into Read, faced disciplinary action after revelations surfaced of derogatory remarks he made about her in text messages to friends, relatives, and supervisors.

The decision to suspend Proctor followed a duty status hearing conducted by a three-member panel, which ultimately recommended disciplinary measures. Interim Superintendent Col. John Mawn endorsed the panel's recommendation, although specific details regarding the suspension were not disclosed by the agency spokesman.

Read faced charges including second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter while driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of a collision causing death. Throughout the exhaustive nine-week trial, her defense team accused Proctor of bias and tampering with evidence in the investigation into O’Keefe's death on January 29, 2022.

During his testimony, Proctor admitted to making unprofessional and regrettable comments but maintained that they did not compromise the integrity of his investigation. His suspension swiftly followed the declaration of a mistrial by Norfolk Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone on July 1, after the jury deliberated for five days without reaching a verdict.

In response to the serious misconduct allegations raised during the trial, the Massachusetts State Police initiated an internal affairs investigation, which remains ongoing. The probe is focusing on the handling of the case and allegations of misconduct leveled against law enforcement officials, including claims of a cover-up involving Brian Albert, a Boston police officer.

The circumstances surrounding O’Keefe's death, initially attributed to blunt force trauma and hypothermia, were pivotal in the prosecution's case against Read. They portrayed a deteriorating relationship between Read and O’Keefe, culminating in allegations that she intentionally struck him with her Lexus SUV outside Albert's residence.

In contrast, Read’s defense asserted an alternative theory that O’Keefe may have been assaulted and killed during a party at Albert's home, alleging that Albert and other officers conspired to cover up the incident and falsely implicate Read. The prosecution dismissed these claims as speculative, maintaining that O’Keefe never entered Albert's home on the night of his death.

As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, prosecutors have signaled their intention to retry the case, highlighting the unresolved questions and contentious issues surrounding O’Keefe's tragic death and the intricate dynamics of the case.