Karen Read has initiated a lawsuit against the Massachusetts State Police and the town of Canton. She is alleging misconduct and negligence in the investigation that led to her trial in connection with the death of her boyfriend, a Boston police officer.
The lawsuit, lodged in Bristol County Superior Court, asserts that Read’s acquittal revealed an entrenched culture of bigotry, misogyny, and systemic failures within these institutions. It states that both the town and the police department failed in properly hiring, training, and supervising officers.
The Canton authorities and police department have not responded to email queries for comments.
Read was acquitted about a year ago after more than three years and two trials over her boyfriend John O’Keefe’s death. He was discovered on a colleague’s lawn after a night of drinking during a snowstorm. Read faced severe charges including second-degree murder and manslaughter but was ultimately convicted of drunk driving.
Prosecutors accused Read of hitting O’Keefe with her SUV and leaving him to succumb to the blizzard conditions. Her legal team defended her by suggesting police misconduct, theorizing that fellow officers might have killed O’Keefe and then engaged in a cover-up.
Focus on Investigators
The trial focused extensively on lead investigator Michael Proctor. Defense attorneys accused him of bias from the outset. The Massachusetts State Police trial board found Proctor guilty of sending crude and defamatory messages about Read. He was terminated and harshly criticized by Read’s supporters, who suspect he was pivotal in framing her.
The lawsuit dedicates numerous pages to Proctor and former Canton police Sgt. Sean Goode. It cites texts, recordings, and other communications indicating derogatory and racist remarks. Read’s legal team asserts these materials demonstrate their unsuitability for the investigation and reflect broader oversight issues in state and local law enforcement.
Goode was put on leave in November 2025 following allegations of misconduct and resigned recently as reported by news outlets.