Karen Read, a Boston woman acquitted of murder in connection with the death of her police officer boyfriend, has filed a lawsuit against the Town of Canton and the Massachusetts State Police. The lawsuit, filed in Bristol Superior Court, alleges mishandling of the investigation and claims a culture of bigotry and systemic failures within both organizations.
The 87-page lawsuit includes messages exchanged between former lead investigator Michael Proctor and former Canton Police Sgt. Sean Goode, which allegedly demonstrate misconduct and negligence in the investigation of John O’Keefe’s death in 2022. In one message, Goode reportedly made derogatory comments about Read.
Read's attorneys stated that the law enforcement agencies fostered a culture of bias and corruption. They emphasized that Proctor and Goode exemplify the failure to uphold public trust. The lawsuit follows Goode's recent resignation from the Canton Police Department amid an investigation into alleged misconduct, which authorities have not confirmed as connected to Read’s case.
Read was acquitted of murder and manslaughter charges last year after a mistrial regarding O’Keefe's death, where prosecutors alleged she struck him with her SUV and left him in the cold. Her defense argued she was not responsible for his death. Additionally, Read is facing a wrongful death lawsuit from O’Keefe’s family and has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against witnesses from her trials.