Karen Read wins settlement from Massachusetts State Police after being acquitted in death of boyfriend in murder trial that captivated America

Massachusetts State Police have agreed to pay Karen Read $100,000 to settle her civil lawsuit over the investigation that led to her murder trial. Read was acquitted of murdering her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, in June 2025; the settlement brings attention to her allegations of misconduct and bias within the force.

Read’s lawsuit cited messages allegedly sent by lead investigator Michael Proctor, including racist and antisemitic remarks and comments about Read. State police fired Proctor in March 2025 and said the messages were unacceptable. The settlement still needs a judge’s approval, Read has not accepted that $100,000 fully reflects her alleged damages, and her claims against the town of Canton remain active. She was convicted of a lesser drink-driving charge.