The Massachusetts State Police relieved State Trooper Michael Proctor of duty, saying the move followed the agency’s previous decision to open an internal affairs investigation after getting information about potential serious misconduct.
Proctor was the lead investigator in the death of 46-year-old Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe and he acknowledged sending offensive texts about Karen Read to friends, family and fellow troopers during the investigation and apologized for the language he used but insisted they had no influence on the investigation.
In his texts, he called Read several names, including “whack job.” At one point, he texted his sister that he wished Read would “kill herself,” which he told jurors was a figure of speech. And despite having relationships with several witnesses, he remained on the case.
Colonel John E. Mawn said as part of the disciplinary process, Proctor will face a hearing at which officials will decide how to proceed with his employment.
**Associated Press contributed to this story.**
