Investigation Supervisor Defends Trooper Accused in Karen Read Case, Asserting Quality of Work Done with Honor and Integrity
In the spotlight during Karen Read's retrial is the conduct of the ex-Massachusetts state trooper who was sacked for his handling of the case, prompting intense questioning of his supervisor. Sergent Yuri Bukhenik acknowledged that he too was disciplined over misconduct allegations linked to another case he managed. However, Bukhenik testified that the former trooper dealt with the probe with "honor and integrity."
Bukhenik, in a courtroom southeast of Boston, shared his thoughts, "Sure, people have biases. But in this case, they did not impact the investigation's outcome."
Michael Proctor, the case agent fired after Read's defense team raised allegations of misconduct, has yet to testify at her retrial. The status of his appearance remains unclear.
Read stands accused of second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter while under the influence, and leaving the scene of a collision causing death.
The first trial, which spanned nine weeks and resulted in five days of jury deliberations, ended in a hung jury. This is the third week of her retrial.
The defense lawyers have accused Proctor of manipulating evidence and conducting a biased investigation. Protor was dishonorably discharged in March following a review by state police officials who found he violated agency rules regarding his derogatory messages about Read and unauthorized disclosure of sensitive case details.
Proctor, when questioned, admitted his comments were "unprofessional" and "dehumanizing," yet he insisted they did not compromise the investigation's integrity. Nevertheless, his family claimed his firing was "unfairly exploitive" and used to scapegoat a trooper with a 12-year unblemished record.
Bukhenik, who was a recipient of Proctor's messages, testified about his response, which was a thumbs-up emoji, but clarified he did not read the messages at the time. Later, he was rebuked for the accuracy of Proctor's performance evaluation and inadequate supervision, resulting in the loss of vacation days.
Proctor, through these texts, made disparaging comments about Read's medical condition, referring to her with offensive language and expressing a hope that she would commit suicide.
For additional news, catch up on the murky investigation surrounding Karen Read's case, the defense's assertions, and the controversial Dateline episode.
Sources:
- https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/06/09/metro/karen-read-still-elusive-answers-jefferies-trial-continues/
- https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2022/06/06/re-trial-karen-read-boston-police-officer-murder-scheduled-to-begin
- https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/27/metro/fired-massachusetts-trooper-allegedly-texted-about-karen-read-with-offensive-language/
- https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2022/02/01/karen-read-sergeant-michael-proctor-massachusetts-state-police/
- https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2022/03/10/karen-read-michael-proctor-fired-boston-police-murder-trooper/
- The controversy surrounding the investigation of Karen Read's case continues, with the defense team accusing fired case agent Michael Proctor of manipulating evidence and conducting a biased probe.
- In a striking turn of events, Proctor was found to have made disparaging comments about Read's medical condition, referring to her with offensive language and expressing a hope that she would commit suicide.
- Meanwhile, Yuri Bukhenik, a Massachusetts state trooper who was also subjected to misconduct allegations, testified in response to these claims, stating that despite the biases, they did not impact the investigation's outcome.
- The retrial of Boston's general-news headline, Karen Read, for charges including second-degree murder and motor vehicle manslaughter while under the influence, is currently underway, with the court awaiting Proctor's testimony in the crime-and-justice proceedings.
