Lead investigator in death of Braintree native under police scrutiny. Here's what we know

The Massachusetts State Police have launched an inquiry into the lead investigator in the Karen Read murder case, Trooper Michael Proctor.

A state police spokesperson confirmed to WCVB that an internal investigation has been opened into Proctor's possible violation of department policy, according to their reporting.

The spokesperson did not say what the alleged violation was or if it had anything to do with Read's case, WCVB reported.

Read has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Braintree native and Boston police Officer John O'Keefe, 46, her boyfriend at the time.

During Tuesday's pretrial hearing, Read's counsel argued Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey hid evidence that would help Read's case and hid relationships between police investigators, like Proctor, and key witnesses.

"Michael Proctor texted his own family members, discussing the specifics of having Julie Albert babysit for his toddler child," said defense attorney Alan Jackson.

O'Keefe's body was found outside the Canton home of an Albert family member in late January 2022.

In an August 2023 public video statement that condemned the spreading of false narratives and harassing witnesses involved with Read's prosecution, Morrissey denied allegations Proctor planted evidence at the home where O'Keefe's body was found.

"Michael Proctor, the state police trooper being accused of planting evidence outside 34 Fairview Road, was never at Fairview Road on the day of the incident. Proctor and his state police partner traveled together the entire day, while other officers were processing 34 Fairview. Trooper Proctor was not there and did not plant evidence at 34 Fairview Road," Morrissey said. "In addition to having no opportunity to plant evidence as has been suggested, Trooper Proctor would have no motive to do so: Trooper Proctor had no close personal relationship with any of the parties involved in the investigation, had no conflict, and had no reason to step out of the investigation. Every suggestion to the contrary is a lie."

Proctor will remain on full duty during the internal investigation, the state police spokesperson said to WCVB.

Rin Velasco is a reporter for Old Colony Memorial in Plymouth. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on wickedlocal.com: Mass. State Police open inquiry into Karen Read case investigator.