4 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. 10, 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, Enrique Delgado-Garcia, 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 Delgado-Garcia's death.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and oversight of police training programs, especially for physically demanding exercises like boxing matches. The death of Delgado-Garcia, who was pursuing a career in law enforcement, has prompted calls for accountability and reforms to ensure cadet safety at police academies.

The details

According to the independent investigator, Delgado-Garcia was first concussed during "unauthorized, unapproved and unsafe" sparring sessions at the academy. The next day, he sustained "multiple blunt force injuries to the head and massive brain bleeding" after academy staff failed to stop a training boxing match. The four officials indicted include the supervisor, Sgt. Jennifer Penton, and Troopers Edwin Rodriguez, David Montanez and Casey LaMonte.

  • Delgado-Garcia died at a hospital on September 13, 2024, a day after becoming unresponsive during the training exercise.
  • The independent investigation was launched by the Massachusetts Attorney General's office.

The players

Enrique Delgado-Garcia

A 25-year-old recruit with the Massachusetts State Police who died following a boxing match during training.

David Meier

The independent investigator appointed by the Massachusetts Attorney General to look into Delgado-Garcia's death.

Sgt. Jennifer Penton

The supervisor with the Massachusetts State Police tactical unit who has been indicted on involuntary manslaughter and perjury charges.

Troopers Edwin Rodriguez, David Montanez and Casey LaMonte

Three instructors with the Massachusetts State Police tactical unit who have been indicted on involuntary manslaughter and causing serious bodily injury charges.

Andrea Campbell

The Massachusetts Attorney General who appointed an independent investigator and said it was important to have an impartial probe into Delgado-Garcia's death.

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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

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

— Brian Williams, President, 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, Lawyers for Civil Rights

What’s next

A date for the arraignment of the four indicted officials has not yet been set.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for rigorous oversight and safety protocols in police training programs, especially for high-risk exercises. The death of Enrique Delgado-Garcia has prompted calls for accountability and reforms to protect cadets and ensure public trust in law enforcement.