In a recent development surrounding the Karen Read case, a hearing has been scheduled for Monday to determine the duty status of Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator. State Police confirmed that Trooper Proctor was relieved of duty, entitling him to a hearing. This decision came shortly after the trial ended in a hung jury, with the prosecution expressing their intention to retry Read.

Trooper Proctor, who has served with the state police for a decade, is no longer able to fulfill his duties as a state trooper. During the trial, disturbing revelations surfaced when Proctor admitted to sending inappropriate and offensive texts about Read during the course of the investigation. He was compelled to read these texts to the jury in court, causing noticeable discomfort.

Gov. Maura Healey expressed her disgust regarding the texts, emphasizing their potential to undermine the integrity of the police force. One message sent to Proctor's wife was particularly alarming, as it read, "waiting to lock whackjob up," referring to Read. Another text was sent to his superiors while Proctor was searching Read's phone, stating, "No nudes so far." Additionally, Proctor texted his sister with a disturbing remark, saying, "hopefully she kills herself," in another reference to Read.

Read's defense attorneys wasted no time in accusing Proctor of protecting witnesses who are allegedly his friends and tampering with evidence. Proctor, however, vehemently denied any allegations of bias or wrongdoing. The defense has also raised questions about Proctor's connection to Canton Selectman Christopher Albert and his wife, as Christopher Albert is the brother of retired Boston police officer Brian Albert. Notably, Brian Albert owned the home where John O'Keefe's body was discovered in January 2022. Investigators claim that Read fatally struck O'Keefe with her SUV during a snowstorm and left him to die after dropping him off at the home.

Following the upcoming hearing, the State Police will have several options regarding Trooper Proctor's duty status. They could opt to suspend him with or without pay, assign him restricted duties, or reinstate him in his previous role. However, termination of his employment is not an immediate outcome of this hearing.

The hearing on Monday will help shed more light on this ongoing case, which has gripped public attention with its disturbing revelations and allegations surrounding the lead investigator.