Proctor's Family Defends Him Amid Disciplinary Hearings

The family of suspended Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor has spoken out amid his disciplinary hearings, defending him against accusations from Karen Read's defense team. Proctor, who was the lead investigator in Read's case, faced criticism for sending derogatory text messages about Read, which he admitted were unprofessional but claimed did not influence the investigation. His family argues that Read's team is using these texts to distract from her murder charges in the death of her boyfriend, Officer John O'Keefe, alleging she is trying to manipulate public opinion and the jury pool. Proctor was suspended without pay following the first trial, which ended in a mistrial. Read maintains her innocence, suggesting a cover-up and that O'Keefe died from a fight at another officer's home. The case remains contentious, with Proctor's family urging the public to focus on the facts and the evidence presented.