Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor has been relieved from duty following a mistrial in the Karen Read murder trial. Read was accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend, but the jury was unable to reach a verdict after nearly 26 hours of deliberation. Proctor came under fire for sending unprofessional and offensive text messages about Read, which were read aloud in court. Many law experts believe Proctor’s testimony sank the prosecution’s case.
Read, 44, was accused of intentionally backing her SUV into her boyfriend during a fight and leaving him to die in the snowstorm. She has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a collision causing injury and death. After the mistrial, Read’s lawyer vowed to keep fighting, while the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office intends to re-try the case.
Proctor’s last day with the DA’s office will be July 7, and the Massachusetts State Police have taken immediate action to relieve him of duty. The outcome of this trial could have broader implications for other high-profile murder cases, as experts warn that Proctor’s actions may affect the credibility of the investigation. The jury’s deadlock has left the case unresolved and emotions running high among supporters of both the victim and the accused.
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