A Massachusetts state trooper's questionable actions connect two high-profile cases: the retrial of Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend, and the upcoming trial of Brian Walshe, charged with murdering his wife. The trooper, Michael Proctor, faces scrutiny for his conduct in both investigations.
Read, a former finance professional, stands accused of fatally striking her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, with her vehicle in January 2022. Her defense team contends that she's being framed, and Proctor's involvement in the investigation has raised concerns. His unprofessional text messages about Read, revealed during the first trial, led to a hung jury and his subsequent suspension. The messages included derogatory terms and even expressed a desire for Read to take her own life.
In the second case, Brian Walshe is accused of murdering his wife, Ana Walshe, in January 2023. Proctor also played a role in this investigation, and Walshe's defense team has raised concerns about potential bias. They argue that Proctor's conduct in the Read case casts doubt on his objectivity in other investigations, including Walshe's. The defense has requested internal affairs reports concerning Proctor and has accused state police of selective evidence gathering.
While prosecutors downplay Proctor's involvement in the Walshe case, the defense points out his presence during witness interviews and evidence collection. They argue that his conduct in the Read case warrants a thorough examination of his role in the Walshe investigation.
The outcome of Proctor's disciplinary hearing and the judge's decision regarding the defense's requests in the Walshe case remain pending. These developments will significantly impact both trials and raise questions about the integrity of the investigations.
