Four Massachusetts State Police Officials Indicted in Recruit's Death

Supervisor and instructors charged with involuntary manslaughter and causing serious bodily injury during training exercise

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A supervisor and three instructors with the Massachusetts State Police tactical unit have been indicted in connection with the death of a 25-year-old recruit following a boxing match during training. The independent investigator appointed by the state attorney general said the officials committed 'wanton and reckless acts and omissions' that resulted in the recruit's death.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and oversight of police training programs, especially in the wake of several recent recruit deaths across the country during basic training. The indictments could lead to reforms to strengthen training standards and ensure proper protocols are in place to protect cadets.

The details

Enrique Delgado-Garcia died in September 2024, a day after becoming unresponsive during a defensive tactics exercise involving a boxing match at the Massachusetts State Police Academy. The independent investigator said Delgado-Garcia was first concussed during 'unauthorized, unapproved and unsafe' sparring sessions, then sustained 'multiple blunt force injuries to the head and massive brain bleeding' after academy staff failed to stop the training boxing match.

  • Delgado-Garcia died on September 13, 2024.
  • The independent investigation was launched in 2024.

The players

Sgt. Jennifer Penton

The supervisor of the Massachusetts State Police Academy's defensive tactics unit who has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, causing serious bodily injury, and perjury.

Trooper Edwin Rodriguez

An instructor with the Massachusetts State Police Academy's defensive tactics unit who has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and causing serious bodily injury.

Trooper David Montanez

An instructor with the Massachusetts State Police Academy's defensive tactics unit who has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and causing serious bodily injury.

Trooper Casey LaMonte

An instructor with the Massachusetts State Police Academy's defensive tactics unit who has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and causing serious bodily injury.

Enrique Delgado-Garcia

A 25-year-old Massachusetts State Police recruit who died after a training exercise involving a boxing match.

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What they’re saying

“Each of these individuals owed a duty of care to Enrique Delgado-Garcia. Each of them committed a series of wanton and reckless acts and omissions that resulted in Enrique Delgado-Garcia's death.”

— David Meier, Independent investigator appointed by the Massachusetts Attorney General

“The veteran training staff indicted today are entitled to the same presumption of innocence and due process guaranteed to every citizen.”

— Brian Williams, President of the State Police Association of Massachusetts

“The family is relieved there has been progress in the case from the beginning. 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.”

— Mike Wilcox, Attorney for Delgado-Garcia family

“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.”

— Iván Espinoza-Madrigal, Executive Director of Lawyers for Civil Rights

What’s next

The four indicted officials will be arraigned on a future date, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical need for rigorous oversight, safety protocols, and accountability measures in police training programs to protect recruits and ensure public trust in law enforcement.