Michael Proctor

OVERVIEW & LEGAL HISTORY SUMMARY

Michael Proctor is a former Massachusetts State Police Trooper who served as the lead detective investigating the January 29, 2022, death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe. During Read's first trial in June 2024, cross-examination revealed that Proctor had sent vulgar, misogynistic, and derogatory text messages regarding Read to personal acquaintances and colleagues, expressing hopes that she would take her own life and making crude remarks about her medical condition. Evidence also demonstrated that Proctor failed to initially disclose personal relationships with party attendees at 34 Fairview Road and utilized non-standard evidence collection methods, including Solo cups. Following the July 2024 mistrial, State Police leadership relieved Proctor of duty and suspended him without pay. In March 2025, a State Police Trial Board found Proctor guilty of unsatisfactory performance and policy violations, resulting in his formal termination. In October 2025, Proctor withdrew his Civil Service appeal seeking job reinstatement. On December 19, 2025, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission formally suspended and revoked his law enforcement certification, permanently barring him from police service in Massachusetts. Proctor is also a named defendant in Read's federal civil rights lawsuit.