Attorneys Expose Police Sergeant’s ‘Vile’ Messages in Karen Read Case Document Request
Attorneys for Karen Read have asked a judge to force the town of Canton to turn over records tied to an internal probe of a police sergeant. They say newly obtained files suggest a close relationship between the sergeant and a former state trooper. Those files allegedly show the exchange of “vile” messages while both served as officers.
Background on the Read case
Karen Read, 46, faced two criminal trials over the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe. Prosecutors said she struck O’Keefe with her SUV and left him in the snow. A deadlocked jury led to a mistrial in the first trial.
The second jury acquitted Read of murder. It convicted her of driving under the influence. Read remains involved in civil litigation brought by the O’Keefe family. She also pursues a separate suit against witnesses and investigators she says conspired to frame her.
Allegations about the sergeant and investigator
Read’s filing asks the court to compel Canton to produce documents about Sgt. Sean Goode. Goode testified at Read’s first trial on May 7, 2024. The filing references his friendship with former Massachusetts State Police trooper Michael Proctor.
Proctor served as lead investigator in O’Keefe’s death. He was fired after texts he sent about Read emerged during the first trial. Read’s lawyers say newly-received Norfolk County District Attorney records show frequent exchanges between Goode and Proctor.
Claims of inappropriate messages
The defense alleges the exchanges included “vile” messages sent while the men were on duty. Attorneys framed the matter as central to their document request. Media reports also connected Goode’s leave to his relationship with Proctor.
Town resists subpoena
Canton opposes the request. Town lawyers call the subpoena overly broad and irrelevant to the civil case. They argue the current investigation began nearly four years after O’Keefe’s death.
The town confirmed Goode was placed on paid administrative leave after Read’s 2025 acquittal. Canton did not specify the reason for his leave in filings. The town also accused Read of sharing internal documents with the media.
Responses from Read’s legal team
Read’s attorneys rejected the town’s media accusations as baseless. They said Read offered to accept confidentiality limits on any released records. The lawyers maintain the requested material is relevant to their claims.
Next steps
Read is scheduled for a status hearing in the civil case on Thursday afternoon. No trial date for the civil matters has been set. Filmogaz.com will continue monitoring the proceedings.
