Four Massachusetts State Police Officials Indicted Over Recruit's Training Death
A supervisor and three instructors from a Massachusetts State Police tactical unit have been indicted in connection with the death of a recruit following a boxing match during training, according to the official leading an independent investigation into the case.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Enrique Delgado-Garcia, a 25-year-old recruit, died at a hospital on September 13, 2024, one day after becoming unresponsive during a defensive tactics exercise in a boxing ring. Authorities described the event as a "medical crisis" at the time. David Meier, appointed by the Massachusetts attorney general to investigate the death, announced that the supervisor and instructors from the Massachusetts State Police Academy's defensive tactics unit are being charged with involuntary manslaughter and causing serious bodily injury to a person participating in a training program.
Meier stated that Delgado-Garcia first suffered a concussion during "unauthorized, unapproved and unsafe" sparring sessions. The following day, he sustained multiple blunt force injuries to the head and massive brain bleeding after academy staff failed to intervene and stop a training boxing match. "Each of these individuals owed a duty of care to Enrique Delgado-Garcia," Meier told reporters. "Each of them committed a series of wanton and reckless acts and omissions that resulted in Enrique Delgado-Garcia’s death."
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The individuals indicted include:
- Supervisor Sgt. Jennifer Penton
- Trooper Edwin Rodriguez
- Trooper David Montanez
- Trooper Casey LaMonte
Sgt. Penton also faces an additional charge of perjury related to her grand jury testimony. Meier confirmed that the four officials will not be arrested immediately, and a date for their arraignment will be set in the future. Legal representation for the accused remains unclear; a lawyer for Penton declined to comment, while attorneys for Rodriguez and Montanez could not be reached, and it is uncertain if LaMonte has legal counsel.
Independent Investigation and Calls for Accountability
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell emphasized the importance of an independent and impartial investigation into Delgado-Garcia's death. The probe followed persistent calls from advocacy groups, as well as the recruit's family and friends, demanding accountability for those responsible. "The family is relieved there has been progress in the case from the beginning," said family attorney Mike Wilcox. "Today is a big day. The family is relieved that they are starting to see light at the end of tunnel in terms of accountability here."
Iván Espinoza-Madrigal, executive director of Lawyers for Civil Rights, expressed being "heartened to see that the State Police will be held accountable for the tragic loss of life." He added, "Regardless of their background, all cadets at the police academy must be safe and protected. Creating a safe environment is vital to ensuring that our public institutions reflect the communities they serve. The grieving Delgado-Garcia family deserves justice, and this tragedy must lead to meaningful reforms."
The indictments mark a significant development in a case that has raised serious questions about training safety protocols within law enforcement institutions. The outcome of the legal proceedings could potentially influence future policies and procedures at police academies across the state, aiming to prevent similar tragedies.
