Bombshell disclosures on State Police sergeant upend Phan murder retrial

Judge halts jury selection after revelations about sergeant's involvement in fatal 2023 crash

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The murder retrial of the Phan brothers in Lowell, Massachusetts has been abruptly halted after a judge cited the need to review newly surfaced information about a State Police sergeant accused of causing a fatal 2023 crash while allegedly under the influence of alcohol. The sergeant, Scott Quigley, was a key investigator in the Phan case, and the disclosures about his involvement in the fatal crash have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the Phan homicide investigation.

Why it matters

The revelations about Sgt. Quigley's alleged actions have cast doubt on the credibility of the investigators in the Phan case, which could have significant implications for the retrial. The case highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and transparency within law enforcement, especially when officers are involved in serious incidents that may compromise their ability to effectively investigate other cases.

The details

The judge halted the Phan retrial after Channa Phan's attorney filed a motion citing new information about Quigley's involvement in a December 2023 crash that killed a man with special needs. Court filings show Quigley was driving the State Police vehicle involved in the crash and that his toxicology results, which were initially redacted, later revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.11. Quigley has since been suspended without pay following a State Police duty-status hearing.

  • The December 2023 crash that killed Angelo Schettino occurred on December 12, 2023.
  • Schettino died from his injuries on January 13, 2024.
  • On January 20, 2026, an Essex Superior Court judge ordered Lahey Hospital & Medical Center to turn over Quigley's complete unredacted toxicology results.
  • On January 28, 2026, the Middlesex District Attorney's Office relayed information it said it had received that morning from the State Police about Quigley's involvement in the fatal crash.
  • On January 30, 2026, the State Police issued a second written disclosure stating that Quigley had not, in fact, made the alcohol admission to the prosecutor.

The players

Judge Chris Barry-Smith

The judge presiding over the Phan murder retrial who halted the proceedings to review the newly surfaced information about Sgt. Quigley.

Sgt. Scott Quigley

A State Police detective assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office and a key investigator in the Phan case, who was allegedly involved in a fatal 2023 crash while under the influence of alcohol.

Billy, Billoeum and Channa Phan

The three brothers charged with first-degree murder for the shooting death of Tyrone Phet in 2020, whose retrial has been halted due to the revelations about Sgt. Quigley.

Angelo Schettino

A 37-year-old man with special needs who was killed in the December 2023 crash involving Sgt. Quigley.

Lynn Schettino

The mother of Angelo Schettino, who filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the State Police related to the crash that killed her son.

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What they’re saying

“It was like a bombshell was dropped on the case. I think there were just too many moving pieces and we were going to start in a day or two and the judge said it just can't happen.”

— William Dolan, Attorney for Channa Phan (The Lowell Sun)

“I don't know what this means as far as when the trial will be scheduled. I don't know if it's going to be a month, six months.”

— Mark Wester, Attorney for Billy Phan (The Lowell Sun)

“My client and I are pleased that the judge considered this issue important enough to continue the trial, and to keep an open mind as to the importance of the introduction of evidence that is expected to be disclosed through the grand jury process at Suffolk County.”

— Lorenzo Perez, Attorney for Billoeum Phan (The Lowell Sun)

What’s next

A hearing will take place at 11 a.m. Monday to set a new retrial start date for the Phan brothers.

The takeaway

The revelations about Sgt. Quigley's alleged involvement in a fatal crash while under the influence of alcohol have cast serious doubt on the integrity of the Phan homicide investigation, leading the judge to halt the retrial. This case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency within law enforcement, especially when officers are implicated in incidents that could compromise their ability to effectively investigate other cases.