The mistrial that occurred followed the trial of former college lecturer Karen Read, who was charged with the murder of her boyfriend, a Boston police officer. The investigation was led by a Massachusetts state trooper, Trooper Michael Proctor, who has since been relieved of duty. The trial ended in a mistrial on July 1 after the jury was unable to reach a verdict. The case drew international attention due to the unusual evidence presented, including the defense’s theory that Ms. Read was framed for the murder by a police cover-up led by Mr. Proctor. Additional evidence against Mr. Proctor included text messages he sent making crude remarks about Ms. Read and promises to protect those responsible for the officer’s death. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Mr. Proctor has been under investigation by internal affairs. The state plans to retry Ms. Read for the murder, with a hearing scheduled for July 22. The jury in the initial trial was divided in their perspectives on the evidence presented, leading to the mistrial.
During cross-examination, it was revealed that one of the EMTs was a friend of the Alberts’ daughter.
Ms. Read, who suffers from Crohn’s Disease, claimed that she dropped off Mr. O’Keefe outside the Alberts’ home due to not feeling well.
The defense posited that Mr. O’Keefe was killed in a confrontation inside the Albert home involving Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent Brian Higgins, who had a romantic interest in Ms. Read.
The defense’s argument suggests that upon realizing Mr. O‘Keefe’s fatal injuries, Mr. Higgins, the Alberts, and potentially others in the house moved Mr. O’Keefe outside and abandoned him there.
Both the Alberts and Mr. Higgins refuted any involvement in Mr. O’Keefe’s injuries.
