The Fall of Trooper Michael Proctor: A Trail of Misconduct and Broken Trust On January 15, 2025, Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor will face a disciplinary hearing that could mark the end of his career. The hearing follows a cascade of controversies involving Proctor’s investigative conduct in several high-profile cases, each raising serious questions about the integrity of law enforcement practices in Massachusetts. From the Karen Read murder trial to the disturbing death of Sandra Birchmore, Proctor’s involvement has been marred by allegations of misconduct, mishandled evidence, and professional impropriety. As the public watches closely, the hearing promises to be a pivotal moment for the Massachusetts State Police. The Karen Read Case: A Mistrial and Questions of Bias In January 2022, Karen Read was accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, by allegedly backing her SUV into him during a snowstorm. Trooper Michael Proctor was assigned as the lead investigator in the case, a role that would later become a focal point of controversy. During the trial, Proctor’s conduct came under fire when defense attorneys revealed unprofessional and derogatory text messages he had sent regarding Read. In one particularly damning message, Proctor expressed hope that Read would harm herself, a sentiment he later admitted to under cross-examination. The defense alleged that Proctor’s investigative methods were not only biased but also aimed at confirming Read’s guilt rather than pursuing an impartial search for the truth. Questions were raised about the handling of physical evidence, including the broken taillight from Read’s SUV and the analysis of O’Keefe’s injuries. In July 2024, the case ended in a mistrial, further eroding public confidence in the investigation. Read’s retrial is now scheduled for April 2025, but the shadow of Proctor’s alleged misconduct continues to loom large. The Brian Walshe Case: Doubts About Credibility Proctor’s troubles did not end with the Karen Read case. In early 2023, he was assigned as the lead investigator in another high-profile case: the murder of Ana Walshe. Her husband, Brian Walshe, was accused of killing and dismembering her in one of the most shocking domestic violence cases in recent memory. Despite the gravity of the allegations, prosecutors announced in September 2024 that Proctor would not be called to testify during Walshe’s trial. The decision was widely interpreted as an acknowledgment of the credibility issues stemming from Proctor’s prior conduct in the Read case. Defense attorneys in the Walshe case seized upon Proctor’s tarnished reputation, questioning whether his investigative methods could be trusted. While the details of his involvement remain limited due to the decision to sideline him as a witness, the controversy surrounding Proctor has undoubtedly impacted public perception of the case, which is set to go to trial later in 2025. The Myles King and Shawn Johnson Cases: A Pattern of Concern Proctor’s involvement in other cases has also come under scrutiny. In the case of Myles King, accused of killing Marquis Simmons in Milton in 2021, defense attorneys expressed concerns about Proctor’s role in the investigation. Similar concerns arose in the case of Shawn Johnson, who faces murder charges related to a deadly shooting outside a Randolph country club on July 4, 2022. In both instances, defense teams highlighted Proctor’s alleged misconduct in the Read and Walshe cases as a basis for questioning the integrity of the investigations. The Sandra Birchmore Case: A Tragic Loss and a Broken System Perhaps the most harrowing of all is the case of Sandra Birchmore, a 23-year-old woman whose death was initially ruled a suicide. Birchmore was found dead in her Canton, Massachusetts apartment in February 2021. The initial investigation by local authorities concluded that she had taken her own life, but federal investigators later determined that her death was a homicide. Former Stoughton Police Officer Matthew Farwell was indicted in August 2024 for Birchmore’s murder. Farwell, who allegedly groomed Birchmore from the time she was a teenager, was accused of maintaining a years-long inappropriate relationship with her. When Birchmore became pregnant, Farwell allegedly staged her death to appear as a suicide, a revelation that sent shockwaves through the community. While Proctor was not directly involved in the Birchmore investigation, the case has drawn parallels to others he handled, particularly in the context of law enforcement misconduct. The Birchmore tragedy underscores systemic failures within Massachusetts’ law enforcement agencies and has intensified calls for comprehensive reforms. Implications for Massachusetts State Police The upcoming disciplinary hearing for Michael Proctor is more than just a review of one officer’s conduct; it is a litmus test for the Massachusetts State Police’s commitment to accountability and reform. Proctor’s suspension without pay since July 2024, following an internal affairs investigation, has already signaled the department’s willingness to address serious allegations. However, public trust in the force remains precarious. The Massachusetts State Police have stated that the trial board’s recommendations will be reviewed by the Superintendent, who will determine the final outcome. This process is being closely watched by advocacy groups, legal experts, and the families of those affected by the cases Proctor investigated. The results of the hearing could have far-reaching implications, not only for Proctor’s career but also for the integrity of the Massachusetts State Police as a whole. Public and Media Reaction The media has extensively covered the controversies surrounding Proctor, painting a picture of a deeply troubled investigator whose alleged misconduct has jeopardized multiple cases. Public response has been equally intense, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in law enforcement. Advocacy groups have emphasized the need for systemic reforms, including improved oversight mechanisms and stricter standards for investigative practices. The cases involving Karen Read, Brian Walshe, and Sandra Birchmore have become rallying points for those demanding justice and institutional change. As public pressure mounts, the Massachusetts State Police face a critical juncture: Will they take decisive action to restore trust, or will they allow the shadow of these controversies to linger? Conclusion and Anticipated Developments The disciplinary hearing on January 15, 2025, is expected to be a watershed moment. Whether Michael Proctor faces permanent disciplinary action or is allowed to continue his career will depend on the findings of the trial board and the Superintendent’s decision. Meanwhile, the Karen Read retrial, the Brian Walshe trial, and the legal proceedings in the Sandra Birchmore case will continue to unfold, each carrying the weight of Proctor’s controversial legacy. As Massachusetts grapples with these complex and emotionally charged cases, one thing is clear: The pursuit of justice demands more than just individual accountability. It requires a commitment to systemic change, ensuring that tragedies like those of Sandra Birchmore and John O’Keefe are never repeated. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
