MSP Colonel Mawn releases statement on Karen Read mistrial

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (WWLP)– Following weeks of testimony a mistrial was declared in the murder trial of Karen Read, charged in the death of her boyfriend Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe in January 2022.

Colonel John E. Mawn, Jr., who commands the the Massachusetts State Police issued this statement in response to Monday’s proceedings.

“Following the mistrial in Commonwealth v. Karen Read , the Massachusetts State Police would like to offer our condolences again to the family of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. We cannot imagine the way in which this result has heightened the O’Keefe family’s immeasurable grief, heartache, and sense of loss. John lived a life of honorable service – both to the City of Boston and the children entrusted to his care after the unexpected death of his sister and brother-in-law. We will remember him.

“Upon learning today’s result, the Department took immediate action to relieve Trooper Michael Proctor of duty and formally transfer him out of the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office State Police Detective’s Unit. This follows our previous decision to open an internal affairs investigation after information about serious misconduct emerged in testimony at the trial.  This investigation is ongoing.

“Our focus remains on delivering the highest level of police services with professionalism and integrity.”

Colonel John Mawn

An email to 22News from the MSP states that Trooper Procter has been relieved of duty effective immediately and his transfer from the Norfolk DA’s office is effective on Sunday, July 7, 2024. As part of the MSP disciplinary process, he will be subject to a duty status hearing to determine if he will be retained on full duty, placed on restricted duty, suspended with pay, or suspended without pay.

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