BOSTON — Karen Read has filed a lawsuit against the Massachusetts State Police and the town of Canton, alleging misconduct and negligence in the investigation that led to her prosecution in the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend.

Subscribe to read this story ad-free

Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.

Advertisement

The suit filed Thursday in Bristol County Superior Court argues that Read’s acquittal last June revealed “an embedded culture of bigotry, misogyny, systemic failures, and institutional rot at the very core of both organizations.” It alleges that the town and the police department were negligent in the hiring, training, and supervision of officers.

The town of Canton and the Canton Police Department did not immediately respond to email requests for comment.

Read walked out of court a free woman about a year ago after more than three years and two trials over the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, who was found on the suburban lawn of a fellow officer’s home after a night of heavy drinking during a snowstorm.

Read faced charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter and leaving the scene. The jury convicted her of a lesser charge, drunken driving.

Prosecutors said Read hit O’Keefe with her SUV on January 2022 night of the party, leaving him to die in a blizzard.

Her lawyers successfully defended her, painting a sinister picture of police misconduct and theorizing that O’Keefe was in fact killed by colleagues who then covered it up.

The trial centered in part on lead investigator Michael Proctor, whom defense attorneys described as biased against Read from the beginning. The Massachusetts State Police trial board found Proctor guilty of sending crude and defamatory text messages about Read while leading the investigation into her. He was fired and drew the ire of Read supporters who believe he played a key role in an alleged cover-up to frame her.

The complaint filed Thursday devotes dozens of pages to Proctor and former Canton police Sgt. Sean Goode, citing texts, recordings and other communications that it says demonstrate racist, sexist and other derogatory remarks. Read argues that those materials show both men were unfit to participate in the investigation and that their conduct reflected broader failures in oversight by state and local law enforcement officials.

Goode was placed on leave in November 2025 when the town was notified about allegations of misconduct. He resigned earlier this week, according to news outlets.

P3R, the organization behind the Pittsburgh Marathon, has opened registration for one of this fall’s largest local races.

Runners can now sign up for the 10 Miler and 10K, scheduled for Nov. 8. P3R expects a record-breaking 6,000 participants at this year’s events, according to spokeswoman Kelsey Emch. The events drew more than 5,500 participants last year.

The 10 Miler course begins at Station Square and travels through the North Shore, the Strip District and Downtown, while the 10K begins on the North Shore near PNC Park and follows the 10 Miler route the rest of the way.

Both races finish on Liberty Avenue Downtown – a common ending point for P3R events.

P3R CEO Troy Schooley said in a release that the 10 Miler and 10K have become a “signature fall tradition” for Pittsburghers of all abilities.

“Whether participants are chasing a personal best, enjoying the event with friends or taking part in the walking division, this race delivers an unforgettable experience while showcasing our city at its very best,” he said.

The 10 Miler costs around $66 per person with processing fees, and the 10K costs around $49. Discounts are available through June 9.

Those interested in participating can register on P3R’s website. Registrants receive complimentary racing bibs, branded long-sleeve shirts, and medals.

Patch AM brings you the breaking and trending news stories of the day in Connecticut. These stories and headlines feature articles from across the state. You can go directly to your local Patch by clicking here.

The police department has been “notified about this misuse of funds and a police investigation is ongoing,” an official wrote.>>>Read More.

The animal control facility is currently closed “due to a recent fire and flood incident,” according to the department.>>>Read More.

Clearly focused: It’s with a sense of pride, accomplishment that he carries on the business his parents founded 8 decades ago.>>>Read More.

Local officials are asking utility customers statewide to sign a petition to state regulators.>>>Read More.

“He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him, and his impact on the …. community will not be forgotten,” the mayor said.>>>Read More.

The $2 million winning scratch-off ticket was purchased at a local business.>>>Read more.