Michael Proctor Seeks to Delay Deposition as New Karen Read Lawsuit Adds Another Twist

The legal fallout surrounding the highly publicized Karen Read case continues to grow, with former Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor now seeking to postpone a scheduled deposition after becoming the focus of new allegations in a recently filed lawsuit.

Proctor, who served as the lead investigator in the criminal case against Karen Read, is asking a Massachusetts court to delay testimony that was scheduled as part of an ongoing wrongful death lawsuit connected to the death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe. His request comes just days after Read filed a new civil action accusing state police officials of misconduct and failures in oversight.

The latest development adds yet another layer to an already complex web of legal battles that continue nearly a year after Read’s criminal case concluded.

Karen Read’s Criminal Case Ended, But Legal Battles Continue

Karen Read became the center of national attention after prosecutors accused her of striking her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, with her SUV during a snowstorm and leaving him outside a home in Canton, Massachusetts.

The case resulted in two separate trials.

The first trial ended in a mistrial after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict. During the second trial, Read was acquitted of the most serious charges, including murder. She was convicted only on a driving-under-the-influence charge and received probation.

Throughout both trials, Read’s defense team argued that she was the victim of a broader cover-up involving witnesses and investigators. Prosecutors, meanwhile, maintained that the evidence showed Read struck O’Keefe with her vehicle after a night of drinking.

Although the criminal proceedings have concluded, multiple civil lawsuits connected to the case remain active.

Four Civil Cases Now Intersect

The ongoing litigation involves several separate lawsuits that overlap with one another.

Read has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that individuals who testified during her criminal trial lied about key events surrounding O’Keefe’s death. The suit claims those individuals were involved in circumstances leading to his death and subsequently concealed what happened.

In a second lawsuit, Read is suing the Town of Canton and the Massachusetts State Police. That complaint accuses officials of failing to properly supervise, train, and oversee officers involved in the investigation.

At the same time, Read herself remains a defendant in two separate civil cases.

One lawsuit was brought by members of O’Keefe’s family, who allege that Read is responsible for his wrongful death. Another lawsuit accuses Read of defamation based on statements she and her supporters have made regarding individuals connected to the case.

These overlapping actions have created a legal landscape where testimony in one case could potentially affect proceedings in another.

New Lawsuit Places Michael Proctor Back Under Scrutiny

The newest lawsuit filed by Read has intensified attention on Michael Proctor, whose conduct became a major issue during the criminal trials.

During testimony, Proctor acknowledged sending numerous text messages that were widely criticized as inappropriate and unprofessional. Some messages contained insulting comments about Read, while others referenced searching her phone for personal photographs.

The recently filed lawsuit reportedly expands those allegations, claiming Proctor exchanged additional offensive messages targeting multiple minority groups.

Those new accusations surfaced only days before Proctor was scheduled to sit for a deposition in the wrongful death case filed by O’Keefe’s family.

His attorneys argue that the timing of the lawsuit has significantly changed the circumstances surrounding the deposition.

Proctor Requests Delay

In court filings, Proctor’s legal team argued that additional time is necessary before he can provide sworn testimony.

His attorneys emphasized that Proctor is not a defendant in the wrongful death lawsuit and described him primarily as a fact witness. They also cited personal circumstances and the need to evaluate how the new allegations could affect his legal position.

The request sought to halt the deposition that had been scheduled for June 8.

Proctor’s lawyers later submitted medical documentation and an affidavit under seal, asking the court to keep those records confidential because they contain information about his health condition.

Judge Expresses Frustration

The judge overseeing several of the related civil cases expressed visible frustration with both sides during a hearing on the dispute.

While considering the request, the court emphasized that subpoenas and agreements between attorneys must be respected if litigation is to move forward efficiently.

The judge questioned communication between parties and criticized what appeared to be a lack of coordination regarding the timing of Read’s newest lawsuit.

Particular attention was given to comments suggesting the filing may have been strategically timed shortly before Proctor’s deposition.

Although the court stopped short of granting a lengthy postponement, the judge agreed to temporarily delay the deposition for 48 hours while requesting additional information from Proctor’s attorneys.

Proctor’s Career Ended After Trial Testimony

The controversy surrounding Proctor extends beyond the courtroom.

Following revelations during Read’s criminal trial, the Massachusetts State Police conducted an internal review into his conduct.

The investigation ultimately resulted in Proctor being terminated from the agency.

His dismissal became one of the most widely discussed aspects of the Read case, with critics arguing that his messages undermined confidence in the investigation. Supporters of Read have repeatedly pointed to his conduct as evidence of bias.

What Happens Next?

For now, no trial dates have been scheduled in any of the major civil lawsuits connected to the Karen Read case.

The court must first determine whether Proctor’s deposition will proceed immediately or be postponed further. That decision could influence discovery efforts across multiple lawsuits involving overlapping witnesses and evidence.

As new allegations emerge and legal filings continue to pile up, the Karen Read saga remains far from over. What began as a criminal investigation into the death of a Boston police officer has evolved into a sprawling legal battle involving former investigators, local government officials, witnesses, and multiple competing lawsuits.

With Michael Proctor once again at the center of controversy, the next phase of litigation is expected to draw renewed public attention to one of Massachusetts’ most closely watched legal cases.