The retrial of Karen Read, accused of murdering her boyfriend John O’Keefe, has highlighted the controversial conduct of former Massachusetts state trooper Michael Proctor, who was dismissed over misconduct in the investigation. This week, evidence centered on Proctor’s supervisor, Sgt. Yuri Bukhenik, who admitted he faced disciplinary action for issues related to Proctor but maintained that the investigation was conducted with “honor and integrity.” Bukhenik emphasized that any biases among investigators did not influence the findings.
Read, 45, faces charges including second-degree murder and motor vehicle manslaughter after allegedly hitting O’Keefe with her SUV and leaving him outside a retiree’s home, where he was later found dead, having succumbed to hypothermia and head trauma. The case has undergone intense scrutiny, especially after the first trial ended without a verdict, and prosecutors argue that Read, upset over her relationship with O’Keefe, acted recklessly.
Defending her, Read’s lawyers argue that she is innocent and claim O’Keefe’s death resulted from a conspiracy involving foul play. They allege that Proctor manipulated evidence and demonstrated bias in his investigation, which included sending derogatory messages about Read. Proctor, while acknowledging the unprofessional nature of his texts, argued they did not compromise the investigation’s integrity.
Bukhenik, involved in Proctor’s communications, testified that although Proctor was part of the team, he didn’t significantly oversee the inquiry. Bukhenik stated he does not believe Proctor’s involvement compromised the investigation’s outcome, reiterating his stance on the integrity of the conducted investigations. Meanwhile, Proctor’s family argues that his termination unfairly tarnishes his previously spotless record.
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