Suspended State Police Sergeant Charged in Deadly 2023 Crash Pleads Not Guilty

Sgt. Scott Quigley faces motor vehicle homicide charges in a crash that killed a 37-year-old man.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:52pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield, the jagged, textured glass reflecting a faint red light against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a violent crash.A recent wave of deadly crashes involving Massachusetts State Police vehicles has raised urgent questions about accountability and transparency within the department.Woburn Today

A Massachusetts State Police sergeant has pleaded not guilty to motor vehicle homicide charges in connection with a deadly 2023 crash in Woburn. Prosecutors allege Sgt. Scott Quigley was driving an unmarked cruiser negligently and under the influence when he crossed the center line and crashed into an oncoming van, killing passenger Angelo Schettino. Quigley was suspended without pay and is due back in court in June.

Why it matters

The case has drawn increased scrutiny over potential cover-up allegations at the Middlesex District Attorney's office and the handling of the investigation. The family of the victim is pursuing a civil lawsuit, alleging hurdles in gathering evidence.

The details

Prosecutors say Quigley was driving the unmarked cruiser negligently and under the influence when he crossed the center line on Lexington St. in Woburn and crashed into an oncoming van in December 2023. Angelo Schettino, a 37-year-old developmentally challenged man, was a passenger in the van and died a month later from his injuries.

  • In December 2023, the fatal crash occurred in Woburn.
  • Quigley was indicted last month and pleaded not guilty on April 15, 2026.
  • Quigley is due back in court on June 9, 2026.

The players

Scott Quigley

A now-suspended Massachusetts State Police sergeant who was charged with motor vehicle homicide in connection with the 2023 crash.

Angelo Schettino

A 37-year-old developmentally challenged man who was a passenger in the van and died a month after the crash.

Lynn Schettino

The mother of Angelo Schettino, who spoke outside the courthouse and called for justice.

Michael Mahoney

The attorney for the Schettino family, who is pursuing a civil lawsuit and alleged a potential cover-up in the case.

Christina Pujals Ronan

The attorney for Sgt. Scott Quigley, who pushed back on the cover-up allegations and maintained the crash was a tragic accident.

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What they’re saying

“I hope they come and do the right thing. We always have faith in our justice system, but with everything that's happening everywhere how can we?”

— Lynn Schettino, Mother of Victim

“This [arraignment] is something that should have come out two years ago, it's as simple as that. It's a cover-up, it's been a cover-up and they're going to keep covering It up.”

— Michael Mahoney, Attorney for Schettino Family

“You can scream cover-up louder and louder, but it doesn't make it true. The truth will come out at trial.”

— Christina Pujals Ronan, Attorney for Sgt. Scott Quigley

What’s next

The judge will decide on June 9 whether to allow Sgt. Scott Quigley to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case has raised serious questions about potential cover-ups and the handling of the investigation by the Middlesex District Attorney's office. The victim's family is seeking justice through both the criminal case and a civil lawsuit, highlighting the complex issues surrounding police accountability and transparency.