Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield
Episode: Texts, Lies, and Incorrect Evidence: Ex-Trooper Proctor’s Boss Gets Grilled
Release Date: May 9, 2025
Presented by Ashleigh Banfield
Introduction
In the twelfth day of the second-degree murder trial of Karen Reed, Ashleigh Banfield delves deep into the courtroom drama surrounding the prosecution of Massachusetts State Police Sergeant Yuri Buchenic. This episode, titled "Texts, Lies, and Incorrect Evidence: Ex-Trooper Proctor’s Boss Gets Grilled," unpacks the intense interrogation of Sergeant Buchenic, who oversaw the controversial investigation into the death of John O'Keefe.
Background of the Trial and Key Figures
The trial centers on the mysterious death of John O'Keefe, whose body was discovered on January 29, 2022, at 34 Fairview Road. Trooper Michael Proctor, initially in charge of the case, was later fired due to inappropriate group text messages that tainted the investigation. Sergeant Yuri Buchenic stepped in as Proctor’s supervisor and lead investigator, overseeing the procedures and evidence handling in the case.
Notable Quote:
"I know a thing or two about true crime... I’ve been reporting on it for 36 years." – Ashleigh Banfield [00:04]
Examination of Initial Evidence
Special Prosecutor Hank Brennan called Sergeant Buchenic to testify about the initial response to John O'Keefe's death. On the day John was found, both Buchenic and Proctor responded to the scene, gathering early evidence that included a broken cocktail glass, a brown paper bag with six Solo cups containing blood, and John’s phone. A significant point of contention is the Canton Police Department’s recusal from the investigation due to a "possible loose family connection."
Notable Quote:
"The Canton police recused themselves from this investigation because of a possible loose family connection to the case." – Sergeant Yuri Buchenic [02:30]
Issues with Surveillance Footage
A critical issue arose with the surveillance video from the Canton PD Sally Port, which was supposed to show Karen Reed's SUV. Banfield highlights a glaring problem: the video was mirrored, leading to a misinterpretation of the taillight damage. The passenger side taillight, which was under scrutiny, appeared intact due to the inversion, raising questions about the integrity of the evidence presented.
Notable Quote:
"Somehow the video that made it to court as an exhibit in evidence was flipped. It was flipped to the mirror image." – Ashleigh Banfield [03:26]
Presentation of the Sneaker Evidence
During testimony, Buchenic presented a sneaker found at the scene, which became a point of confusion. Initially identified incorrectly, the sneaker's mishandling suggested lapses in the investigative process. The defense used this discrepancy to question the overall competence and reliability of the investigation.
Notable Quote:
"What the defense did is they caught him on his own mistakes, his investigative process that they follow. So if I'm the defense, it's like, well, your investigative process sucks." – Ashleigh Banfield [06:32]
Handling of John O'Keefe's Clothes and Evidence
Further scrutiny was placed on the handling of John O'Keefe's clothes collected from the hospital. The delay in filing reports and discrepancies in how evidence was photographed and logged raised serious doubts about the prosecution’s evidence chain. Buchenic maintained that all evidence was properly labeled and handled, but the defense effectively highlighted the inconsistencies.
Notable Quote:
"Those later discoveries, especially the tail light fragments, were actually not photographed where they were found. And that left a major, major hole in his story." – Ashleigh Banfield [07:30]
The Controversial Text Messages
One of the most explosive moments in the trial was the revelation of Trooper Michael Proctor's inappropriate group text messages. These messages, filled with derogatory language and comments about Karen Reed, not only led to Proctor’s dismissal but also cast a shadow over the investigation's integrity.
Notable Quotes:
"I text my wife, waiting to lock this whack job up. Of course, it's undetermined. She was a whack job." – Trooper Michael Proctor [08:57]
"No, she's a babe. We had fall river accent though. Though, no ass." – Trooper Michael Proctor [09:23]
Banfield criticizes Buchenic for his minimal acknowledgment of these texts, suggesting that the full extent of Proctor’s misconduct may surface later in the trial.
Notable Quote:
"These came from me. Funny, I'm going through his retarded client's phone. No nude so far. I hate that man. I truly hate him." – Trooper Michael Proctor [09:49]
Cross-Examination by Defense Attorney Alan Jackson
Defense Attorney Alan Jackson launched a rigorous cross-examination aimed at dismantling Buchenic’s credibility and the investigation’s integrity. Jackson questioned the impact of Proctor’s involvement on the case, presenting a binder of search warrants and affidavits linked to Proctor. Buchenic struggled to authenticate these documents, further weakening the prosecution’s stance.
Notable Quote:
"The investigation was conducted with honor and integrity and all the evidence pointed in one direction and one direction only." – Sergeant Yuri Buchenic [16:38]
Jackson adeptly highlighted potential biases and procedural lapses, questioning whether the tight-knit relationship within the police department compromised the investigation.
Issues with Evidence Handling and Police Department Conflict of Interest
A major revelation was the conflict of interest within the Canton Police Department. Kevin Albert, brother of Brian Albert (the homeowner where John O'Keefe was found), is also a police officer. This familial tie undermined the impartiality of the investigation, casting doubt on the actions taken by the Canton PD, including the questionable collection of taillight evidence.
Notable Quote:
"Kevin Albert is also a Canton police officer. So loose connection. Yeah, I would say that's tighter than a bull's ass at fly time." – Ashleigh Banfield [22:24]
Conclusion and Upcoming Proceedings
As the day concluded, Banfield shed light on the prosecution’s strategy, noting the absence of key witnesses like Trooper Proctor and others connected to the case. She hinted at deeper layers of misconduct and evidence tampering that may emerge as the trial progresses. With the courtroom drama far from over, Sergeant Buchenic is set to return for further intense scrutiny.
Notable Quote:
"The judge in the case understandably has said no audio, no video can be transmitted of their testimony. If you're in the courtroom, you can see them, but the media and you, we cannot." – Ashleigh Banfield [23:43]
Banfield encourages listeners to stay engaged and share their perspectives, emphasizing the ongoing quest for truth in this convoluted case.
Stay tuned for Day 13 as Ashleigh Banfield continues to unravel the complexities and uncover the truth behind Karen Reed’s trial.
Remember, the truth isn't just serious, it's drop dead serious.