Karen Read Trial Developments

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SUMMARY

Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble announced a review of all cases involving former Trooper Michael Proctor on July 23, 2026, due to his "racist and misogynistic texts" during the Karen Read trial. This action follows Karen Read's new lawsuit against the Massachusetts State Police and the Town of Canton, alleging bias and corruption, and a judge's criticism on July 25, 2026, regarding potentially leaked medical records. As of July 28, 2026, civil proceedings continue, a new book reexamining the case has been released, and Matt Damon's company is developing a movie based on the Karen Read case. Read was found not guilty of murder on June 18, 2025, but was convicted of operating under the influence in the 2022 death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe.

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Timeline of developments

August 2026 1 developments

  1. Karen Read Retrial Sees New Prosecutor, Investigator, and Upcoming Motion Hearing

    A motion hearing is scheduled for August 3, 2026, in the Karen Read retrial. The case has seen a new prosecutor and investigator, with an alternate juror joining the defense. A critical Boston Magazine article was published on July 28, 2026, as the civil case has been described as "off the rails."

July 2026 26 developments

  1. New Book and Defamation Appeal Emerge in Karen Read Case Following Acquittal

    A new book titled 'Blizzard of Lies' by investigative reporter Dave Wedge has been released, reexamining the death of John O'Keefe and the trial of Karen Read. Read is also appealing a defamation case related to the events surrounding O'Keefe's death.

  2. Karen Read Civil Cases See New Filings and Hearings Amidst Mistrial Aftermath

    Members of the McCabe and Albert families have asked a judge to dismiss parts of the federal lawsuit filed by Karen Read. This follows a hearing regarding the return of Karen Read's cell phones from the Norfolk County DA's Office. A judge also admonished attorneys for releasing private information in the wrongful death lawsuit.

  3. Matt Damon's Production Company Developing Movie Based on Karen Read Case

    Matt Damon's production company, Artists Equity, is developing a movie based on the Karen Read case. The project is in its early stages.

  4. Judge Criticizes Attorneys, New Testimony Surfaces in Karen Read Retrial

    A judge criticized attorneys over the handling of potentially leaked medical records during July 2026 proceedings. New testimony from Sergeant Barros on July 20th suggested potential taillight discrepancies, which the defense is using to challenge the prosecution's case. Allegations regarding federal conduct in the case also surfaced.

  5. Karen Read Civil Cases Continue Amidst OUI Conviction

    As of July 23, 2026, civil proceedings continue with Karen Read's defamation lawsuit and a new court order concerning her seized phones. A motion to dismiss witness intimidation charges against Aidan Kearney is also being addressed. Karen Read was found not guilty of murder on June 18, 2025, but was convicted of operating under the influence.

  6. Mass. State Police Review Cases After Trooper's Texts Surface in Karen Read Trial

    Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble announced a review of all cases involving former Trooper Michael Proctor due to his "racist and misogynistic texts" during the Karen Read trial. This action follows arguments made on July 14, 2026, to dismiss a defamation lawsuit and parts of Read's civil rights lawsuit.

  7. Karen Read Retrial: Sergeant Barros Testimony Challenges Prosecution Evidence

    Sergeant Barros testified on July 20, 2026, that the taillight damage on Karen Read's SUV appeared less severe before towing than in prosecution evidence photos. This testimony is part of the ongoing retrial for the 2022 death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe.

  8. Karen Read Files New Lawsuit Alleging Bias and Corruption Against State Police

    Karen Read has filed a new lawsuit against the Massachusetts State Police and the Town of Canton, alleging bias and corruption. This action follows Trooper Michael Proctor's previous suspension amid an internal affairs investigation into his conduct. Read and blogger Aiden Kearney are also seeking to dismiss a defamation lawsuit against them.

  9. Karen Read Murder Trial: Judge Rules Key Evidence Admissible

    A judge ruled on July 15, 2026, that evidence including text messages and call logs can be used in the Karen Read murder trial. Read is accused of killing Boston police officer John O'Keefe. The defense had argued this evidence was obtained illegally.

  10. Defendants seek dismissal of Karen Read's civil claims; Read's team moves to dismiss defamation suit

    Defendants in a civil lawsuit, including Brian Albert and Nicole Albert, moved on July 14, 2026, to dismiss Karen Read's claims of conspiracy and framing. Concurrently, attorneys for Karen Read and "Turtleboy" argued to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed by witnesses from Read's criminal trials.

  11. Karen Read lawsuit alleging conspiracy heard in federal court

    Karen Read's lawsuit against members of the McCabe and Albert families, and three state police officers, alleging civil rights violations and a conspiracy to frame her for John O'Keefe's murder, was heard in federal court on July 14, 2026. Defendants argued the lawsuit was 'classic retaliation against witnesses' and a 'game of telephone conspiracy.'

  12. Karen Read Defense Seeks Special Prosecutor Removal Over Alleged Collusion

    Karen Read's defense team sought the removal of the Special Prosecutor from possession of her seized iPhones on July 13, 2026, alleging collusion with the District Attorney's office. The iPhones were seized as part of an investigation into a potential conspiracy to harass witnesses from her murder trial.

  13. Karen Read Civil Case: Hearings Scheduled for July 10 and 14 on Depositions and Defamation Claims

    A hearing is scheduled for July 10, 2026, concerning motions to compel depositions in the wrongful death civil case brought by John O'Keefe's family against Karen Read, as her defense team alleges witnesses are evading depositions. Karen Read is also scheduled for two separate motion hearings on July 14, 2026, in a state court defamation case and a federal case.

  14. Judge Denies Motion to Dismiss Karen Read's Civil Lawsuits Against Police

    A judge denied a motion to dismiss Karen Read's civil lawsuits against the Massachusetts State Police and the Town of Canton Police Department. The lawsuits allege a cover-up and misconduct related to the investigation of John O'Keefe's death, claiming a "culture of bigotry, misogyny, systemic failures, and institutional rot" within law enforcement.

  15. Judge Admonishes Attorneys Over Leaked Medical Info in Karen Read Case

    A judge admonished attorneys for allegedly leaking private medical information of Michael Proctor, a key witness, shortly after it was sealed. Proctor's deposition is temporarily delayed, with a July 9 deadline for legal teams to agree on protecting sensitive information.

  16. Mass. State Police Suspend Lead Investigator Michael Proctor in Karen Read Case

    Massachusetts State Police have suspended Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator in the Karen Read case, pending an internal affairs investigation into his unprofessional behavior. This action follows scrutiny over disparaging text messages he sent about Read. A tentative retrial date for the murder case has been set for April 2027.

  17. Michael Proctor Seeks to Delay Deposition Amid Leaked Information Allegations in Karen Read Civil Case

    Michael Proctor sought to delay his deposition in the O'Keefe family's wrongful death lawsuit against Karen Read, asserting he is "at best" a fact witness. A hearing was subsequently ordered for July 1, 2026, concerning allegations of leaked confidential information related to Proctor.

  18. Karen Read Case: Judge Orders Hearing on Leaks, DA Candidates Comment

    A judge ordered a hearing on July 8, 2026, concerning alleged leaks of former Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor's personal information in the wrongful death lawsuit. New filings and orders were also issued in the civil litigation. Separately, seven candidates running for Norfolk County District Attorney have commented on the Karen Read trials and investigations.

  19. Karen Read Acquitted of Murder Charges; Discovery Paused in Civil Suit After Leak

    Karen Read was acquitted of murder and manslaughter charges but convicted of driving under the influence. In a related civil case, a judge has paused all discovery in the wrongful death suit against Read after sealed personal information concerning former Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor was leaked to an X account. The judge warned attorneys against such leaks, threatening to make the pause permanent.

  20. Poll: Most Massachusetts Residents Believe Evidence Was Concealed in Karen Read Case

    A poll released on July 2, 2026, indicates that a majority of Massachusetts residents who followed the Karen Read case believe law enforcement concealed evidence during the initial investigation. Karen Read herself filed lawsuits in June 2026 against the Massachusetts State Police and the Canton Police Department, alleging a "culture of bias and corruption."

  21. Judge admonishes lawyers in Karen Read civil case for alleged social media leaks

    A judge overseeing the civil wrongful death case against Karen Read admonished over a dozen lawyers on July 1, 2026, for allegedly leaking private information to social media. The judge ordered an emergency hearing and warned the attorneys against trying cases outside the courtroom.

  22. Former Canton Police Sergeant Resigns Amid Investigation Into Alleged Vulgar Texts

    Former Canton police sergeant Sean Goode resigned on June 29, 2026, following an internal affairs investigation into alleged vulgar text messages sent to former Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor. Goode had previously testified in Karen Read's first trial.

  23. Karen Read Civil Case: Emergency Hearing on Impoundment Order Violations Scheduled

    An emergency hearing was scheduled for July 1, 2026, to address alleged violations of an impoundment order related to Michael Proctor's protection order in the civil lawsuit against Karen Read. Attorneys were required to submit affidavits regarding any knowledge of impounded information being shared. Civil case proceedings continue with status reviews and discovery motions, including a deposition of the town of Canton scheduled for July 13th and motions to compel expected by July 8th.

June 2026 10 developments

  1. Karen Read Case: Hearings Scheduled on Impounded Materials and Depositions

    As of late June 2026, emergency hearings are scheduled concerning the dissemination of impounded materials related to former trooper Michael Proctor. Civil conferences are also underway regarding deposition scheduling and motions to compel documents in ongoing civil proceedings involving the O'Keefe estate and Karen Read.

  2. Karen Read and Michael Proctor provide depositions in O'Keefe wrongful death case

    Karen Read and former Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor have provided depositions in the wrongful death case filed by John O'Keefe's family. Read's legal team has also filed a motion to compel testimony from witness Colin Albert, arguing John O'Keefe died as a result of a fatal fight. Both depositions are expected to require additional days to complete, with a deadline set for August.

  3. Karen Read acquitted of murder, convicted of OUI in John O'Keefe death; civil case judge criticizes lawyers

    Karen Read was acquitted of murder and manslaughter charges in the death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, convicted only of operating a vehicle under the influence, and sentenced to one year of probation and an alcohol education program. Separately, a judge in the civil wrongful death lawsuit urged attorneys to "stop pandering to social media" regarding the deposition of witness Colin Albert.

  4. Judge urges attorneys to 'stop pandering to social media' in Karen Read civil case hearing

    A judge presiding over the wrongful death lawsuit against Karen Read urged attorneys to "stop pandering to social media" regarding the deposition of witness Colin Albert. The judge ruled that Albert's Army basic training would not delay his deposition, addressing concerns about the timing and promptness of his subpoena.

  5. Karen Read civil case: Michael Proctor deposition set for June 25, 2026

    Michael Proctor, the former lead investigator in Karen Read's criminal case, is scheduled for a deposition on June 25, 2026, after a judge denied his motion to delay. This deposition is related to alleged racist text messages and misconduct claims in civil lawsuits filed by Read against law enforcement agencies.

  6. Karen Read Files Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit; Defamation Suit Filed Against Her

    Karen Read has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against individuals who testified against her, alleging John O'Keefe was killed inside a home and she was framed. Separately, Jennifer McCabe, Brian Albert, Colin Albert, and Brian Higgins have filed a defamation lawsuit against Karen Read and Aidan Kearney. A deposition for former lead investigator Michael Proctor was rescheduled after a judge denied his initial motion to delay.

  7. Karen Read Case: Hearing Held on Motion to Delay Investigator's Deposition

    A hearing was held on June 8, 2026, regarding a motion to delay the deposition of Michael Proctor, former lead investigator in Karen Read's criminal case. Proctor's legal team cited medical documentation and other reasons for the delay in the civil case.

  8. Michael Proctor Seeks to Delay Deposition Amid New Lawsuit Alleging Misconduct

    State Trooper Michael Proctor is seeking to delay his deposition in a civil case, originally scheduled for June 8, 2026. This request follows a new lawsuit filed on June 5, 2026, against him and the Massachusetts State Police, alleging misconduct including the circulation of inappropriate text messages targeting minority groups.

  9. Karen Read civil trial status conference held amid lawsuit against police

    A civil trial status conference was held on June 3, 2026, concerning Karen Read's lawsuit against the Massachusetts State Police and Canton Police Department. Discussions focused on scheduling depositions and other procedural matters for the ongoing legal proceedings. Read is suing the departments, alleging racism, bigotry, and misogyny led to her wrongful prosecution.

  10. Karen Read files new lawsuit against Canton and State Police alleging misconduct

    Karen Read has filed a new lawsuit against the Town of Canton and the Massachusetts State Police, alleging a "culture of bigotry, misogyny, systemic failures, and institutional rot." The lawsuit cites disturbing text messages exchanged between former lead investigator Michael Proctor and former Canton Police Sergeant Sean Goode, which reportedly contained racial slurs and sexist comments. This development follows Read's acquittal of second-degree murder and manslaughter charges.

May 2026 1 developments

April 2026 7 developments

  1. Former Trooper Michael Proctor to be Deposed in Karen Read Case on June 8, 2026

    Michael Proctor, a former Massachusetts State Police trooper, is scheduled for a deposition on June 8, 2026, in a state court case connected to the Karen Read trial. Proctor's attorneys have requested that Read's legal team provide him with materials to refresh his memory, as he no longer has access to prosecution documents.

  2. Karen Read Acquitted of Murder, Convicted of OUI; Trooper Charged with Wiretap

    Karen Read has been acquitted of second-degree murder in her retrial, though convicted of operating under the influence of liquor and sentenced to one year of probation. Separately, Trooper Michael Gagnon was arrested and charged with unlawful wiretap. Additionally, four key witnesses in the Read trials have filed a defamation lawsuit against Read and blogger Aiden Kearney, alleging conspiracy and false implication in John O'Keefe's death.

  3. Karen Read to be deposed this week in O'Keefe wrongful death suit; attorneys seek Canton Police documents

    Karen Read is scheduled for deposition this week in the wrongful death suit filed by John O'Keefe's family, with numerous other depositions planned throughout the summer. Her attorneys are seeking documents related to an internal affairs investigation into Canton Police Sgt. Sean Goode, a request the town is opposing.

  4. Karen Read's attorneys accuse Canton Police sergeant of sending 'vile' messages

    Karen Read's attorneys accused a Canton Police sergeant of sending "vile" messages and demanded documents related to his discipline. In a separate development, David Yannetti, a defense attorney for Karen Read, will now represent a Boston police officer charged with manslaughter in the death of Stephenson King.

  5. Judge Rules Karen Read's Cell Phones Should Be Returned Amid Intimidation Probe

    A judge ruled on March 9, 2026, that Karen Read's cell phones should be returned to her, though the Norfolk District Attorney's office may retain possession pending an appeal. This ruling comes amid a witness-intimidation investigation related to a blogger known as Turtle Boy, where Read's phones were seized.

March 2026 5 developments

  1. Karen Read's Attorneys Prepare Third Civil Case Against Canton and State Police

    Karen Read's attorneys are preparing to file a third civil case against the Town of Canton and the Massachusetts State Police. Lead detective Michael Proctor has also filed an answer to Read's amended federal complaint. Separately, an attorney for the O'Keefe family apologized for misquoting Read and withdrew a motion regarding her phones.

  2. Jury begins deliberations in Karen Read's retrial for Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe's death

    Jury deliberations have commenced in the retrial of Karen Read, who is accused in the death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe. Closing arguments were presented, with the defense stating "there was no collision" and the prosecution arguing Read left O'Keefe to die after hitting him.

  3. Lawyers agree to full data extraction of Karen Read's two cell phones

    Lawyers for both sides agreed to a "Full File System extraction" of Karen Read's two cell phones before they are returned. This extraction will capture details including factory resets, system activity, secure messaging, deleted records, and boot events.

  4. O'Keefe Family Attorney Admits Misquoting Karen Read in Legal Motion

    A hearing was held on March 6, 2026, concerning the extraction of data from Karen Read's cell phones prior to their return. On the same day, an attorney for the O'Keefe family admitted to misquoting Read in a legal motion.

  5. O'Keefe Family Attorney Withdraws Request to Block Karen Read's Cellphone Retrieval

    An attorney for the John O'Keefe family withdrew a request to block Karen Read from retrieving her cellphones on March 6, 2026. The attorney acknowledged misinterpreting Read's words in a motion, which was a key development in the ongoing legal actions surrounding the case.

February 2026 5 developments

  1. Karen Read's legal team files corrected motion to extend deadline in federal lawsuit

    Karen Read's legal team filed a corrected motion to extend the deadline to respond to pending motions to dismiss in her federal lawsuit against the 'McAlberts.' The defendants are opposing the extension, arguing the deadline to amend the complaint has expired.

  2. Karen Read's Defense Seeks Return of Cellphones After Acquittal

    Karen Read's defense is seeking the return of her cellphones, confiscated in January 2024, arguing prosecutors waited 19 months to seek a warrant after her acquittal. Prosecutors want the phones to investigate potential witness intimidation. A judge is also considering whether an email Read accidentally sent to opposing counsel can be used in court.

  3. Karen Read acquitted of murder, convicted of OUI; prosecutors seek to retain phones

    Karen Read was acquitted of second-degree murder in her retrial on June 18, 2025, but convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence. A hearing was held on February 19, 2026, regarding the return of her confiscated cell phones, with prosecutors seeking to retain them to investigate potential witness tampering.

  4. Karen Read's defense seeks court intervention after accidental email to opposing counsel

    Karen Read's defense team is seeking court intervention after she accidentally sent an email to opposing counsel on February 17, 2026. The defense claims Read did not realize she was BCC'd on an initial email chain and believed she was only replying to her own legal team.

  5. Judge Considers Admissibility of Karen Read's Email to Opposing Counsel

    A judge is considering whether an email Karen Read accidentally sent to opposing counsel in December 2025 can be used in court. The O'Keefe family's attorneys argue the email is no longer protected by attorney-client privilege and contradicts Read's previous sworn statements. Read's legal team is seeking to have the email returned.

January 2026 8 developments

  1. McAlberts turn on former Massachusetts State Police detective Michael Proctor

    A video discusses the 'McAlberts' turning on former Massachusetts State Police detective Michael Proctor, with attorney Larry Forman discussing Brian Albert's declaration. This suggests a potential shift in their stance regarding Proctor's involvement in the investigation.

  2. Lt. Paul Gallagher did not seek search warrant for home in Karen Read case

    A review of the Karen Read case highlighted that Lt. Paul Gallagher, who led the initial investigation, did not pursue a search warrant for the home where John O'Keefe was found. This detail was reportedly questioned during her 2025 trial regarding the crime scene investigation.

December 2025 1 developments

October 2025 1 developments

September 2025 1 developments

June 2025 6 developments

  1. Karen Read acquitted of murder, convicted of OUI in John O'Keefe's death

    A jury has found Karen Read not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe. However, she was found guilty of operating a vehicle under the influence. This verdict comes after her first trial ended in a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury.

  2. Karen Read found guilty of OUI, not guilty of second-degree murder in retrial

    Jurors have reached a verdict in the retrial of Karen Read. She was found not guilty of second-degree murder but guilty of operating a vehicle under the influence. Read was sentenced to one year of probation and a "24D" program.

  3. Karen Read acquitted of murder, manslaughter, but found guilty of OUI in retrial

    Karen Read was acquitted of second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a collision causing injury or death in her retrial, but was found guilty of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

  4. Karen Read's murder retrial jury deliberates; legal team seeks return of cellphones

    Jury deliberations began in Karen Read's murder retrial, with no verdict reached on the first full day of deliberations. Separately, Read's legal team is asking a judge to compel the district attorney to return her cellphones, confiscated in January 2024 as part of an investigation into potential witness intimidation.

  5. Independent probe finds police misconduct in Karen Read case; text messages cited

    An independent investigation has found that former Canton Police Sergeant Sean Goode violated town policies by sending offensive text messages to Michael Proctor, the former lead investigator in the Karen Read case. This development occurs amidst ongoing civil lawsuits and deposition disputes where witnesses are attempting to delay subpoenas.

May 2025 1 developments

April 2025 1 developments

March 2025 1 developments

  1. Former Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael D. Proctor Fired for Inappropriate Texts and Information Sharing

    Former Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael D. Proctor, the lead investigator in the case, was fired due to his actions during the investigation, including sending inappropriate text messages and providing sensitive information to non-law enforcement personnel.

August 2024 2 developments

  1. Massachusetts Judge Denies Karen Read's Motion to Dismiss Murder Charges

    A Massachusetts judge denied a motion to dismiss two charges against Karen Read in August 2024, who is accused of murdering her boyfriend, John O'Keefe. Read's first trial began in April 2024 and ended in a mistrial on July 1, 2024, after the jury reported being deadlocked. She faces charges including second-degree murder and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

July 2024 2 developments

April 2024 1 developments

January 2024 1 developments

April 2023 1 developments

February 2022 1 developments

January 2022 1 developments