Trooper Involved in Deadly Crash Suspected of Cover-Up

Family of victim accuses Massachusetts State Police of protecting one of their own in fatal collision

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The family of Angelo Schettino, a 37-year-old former Special Olympian who died in a head-on collision with a Massachusetts State Police sergeant, suspects a cover-up by authorities to protect the officer involved. New revelations show the sergeant, Scott Quigley, had a blood alcohol level of 0.11 at the time of the crash, well above the legal limit, but the initial investigation characterized it as a 'medical incident' where Quigley was only 'partially at fault'.

Why it matters

This case raises serious questions about accountability and transparency within the Massachusetts State Police, as the family alleges a concerted effort to shield one of their own from the consequences of an alleged drunk driving incident that resulted in a tragic loss of life. It also highlights broader concerns about police oversight and the need for thorough, impartial investigations of incidents involving law enforcement.

The details

According to the reports, on December 12, 2023, Sergeant Scott Quigley, a 41-year-old homicide detective with the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, was driving an unmarked State Police vehicle when he crossed the center line and struck head-on a wheelchair van carrying Angelo Schettino. The initial investigation, conducted by Sergeant Jennifer Penton, characterized the crash as a 'medical incident' where Quigley was only 'partially at fault' and issued him a written warning for a marked lanes violation. However, new disclosures reveal that Quigley had a blood alcohol level of 0.11 at the time of the crash, well above the legal limit of 0.08.

  • The crash occurred on December 12, 2023, shortly before 5 p.m.
  • Schettino died in the hospital 31 days after the crash, on January 12, 2024.

The players

Angelo Schettino

A 37-year-old former Special Olympian who died in the crash.

Sergeant Scott Quigley

A 41-year-old homicide detective with the Middlesex District Attorney's Office who was driving the unmarked State Police vehicle involved in the crash.

Sergeant Jennifer Penton

The Massachusetts State Police officer who conducted the initial investigation and characterized the crash as a 'medical incident' where Quigley was only 'partially at fault'.

Lynn Schettino

The mother of Angelo Schettino, who is fighting for accountability and justice in her son's death.

Michael F. Mahoney

The attorney representing the Schettino family in their wrongful death lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“When I saw him, he was cold. His large intestines [were] severed, severed right in half. And this was from this accident.”

— Lynn Schettino, Mother of Angelo Schettino (boston25news.com)

“Sergeant Quigley has consistently maintained that this was an unfortunate and tragic accident — not a criminal act. He has cooperated with investigators and remains confident that the objective evidence will ultimately support his account of what occurred.”

— Christina Pujals Ronan, Attorney for Sergeant Scott Quigley (boston25news.com)

“If you are drinking on the job and you kill somebody, you're responsible. They dug a hole, and now they're all scrambling to try and get out of it.”

— Michael F. Mahoney, Attorney for the Schettino family (boston25news.com)

“You or I would be in jail. Being intoxicated and hurting people with your vehicle—we would be in jail.”

— Lynn Schettino, Mother of Angelo Schettino (boston25news.com)

What’s next

The Suffolk District Attorney's Office has launched a criminal investigation into the crash, and the Massachusetts State Police have suspended Sergeant Quigley without pay. The Schettino family's wrongful death lawsuit against the state police also continues to move forward, as they seek to uncover the full extent of the alleged cover-up.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies, particularly when it comes to incidents involving potential misconduct or criminal behavior by officers. The Schettino family's pursuit of justice serves as a reminder that no one, not even those in positions of authority, should be above the law.