In response to developments in the Karen Read trial, two additional Massachusetts State Police troopers are now under internal investigation, it was confirmed by Massachusetts State Police (MSP). The investigations were initiated weeks after their testimonies during the trial. Meanwhile, Detective Lt. Brian Tully and Sgt. Yuri Bukhenik will continue their duties on active duty as investigations into their conduct proceed.

The trial, which involves the accused Karen Read, who stands accused of murdering her boyfriend, police officer John O'Keefe in January 2022, ended in a mistrial this month. As a result, Read is set to face a second trial in January 2025.

MSP issued a statement on Thursday, disclosing that an investigation into Lt. John Fanning, who is also tied to the Read case, has concluded. The investigation determined that there was "insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation that he violated rules and regulations." The allegation against Fanning has been classified as "not sustained".

During the trial, Lt. Tully testified that he did not search the house where O'Keefe's body was discovered because he believed there was no evidence of a crime having taken place inside. Consequently, Tully stated that he would not have been able to obtain a search warrant based on that reasoning.

The testimonies presented during the Read trial also led to the suspension, without pay, of Massachusetts State Police officer Michael Proctor. Proctor stands accused of engaging in inappropriate communication and sharing confidential information related to the investigation. Further damaging Proctor's case, it was revealed that he had sent lewd and defamatory text messages about Read and was accused of searching for nude photos on her phone.

Sgt. Bukhenik, who supervised Proctor during the initial investigation, testified regarding his interviews with Read and the presentation of evidence, including a delay in entering O'Keefe's clothes into evidence. Additionally, there was an alleged missing portion of police department footage related to the area where Read's vehicle was stored after it was seized.

The trial also unveiled that Proctor had been communicating with Canton police officer Kevin Albert throughout the investigation. It was noted that Albert's brother hosted the party at the house where O'Keefe's body was discovered. As a result, the Canton Police Department recused themselves from the investigation due to the familial connection. Kevin Albert has been placed on paid administrative leave pending further action.

MSP declined to comment further on these ongoing investigations, stating that they wished to preserve the integrity of the pending outcomes. The troopers in question will remain on duty as the investigations unfold. With the next trial set for January 2025, both the prosecution and defense will regroup to present their cases once again.