- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Woburn Today
By the People, for the People
Massachusetts State Police Knew Trooper Drank Before Fatal Crash, Prosecutors Say
Colleagues allegedly failed to disclose Sgt. Scott Quigley's drinking to authorities before he crashed into a van, killing a man.
Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:25pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A recent wave of drunk driving incidents involving Massachusetts State Police officers has exposed systemic issues with accountability and transparency within the department.Woburn TodayProsecutors say Massachusetts State Police colleagues knew that Sgt. Scott Quigley shared six drinks with a fellow detective before crashing head-on into a van, leading to the death of 37-year-old Angelo Schettino. However, this information was allegedly not disclosed in a timely manner to anyone outside Quigley's detective unit.
Why it matters
The case raises questions about accountability and transparency within the Massachusetts State Police, as well as the handling of suspected drunk driving incidents involving law enforcement officers.
The details
Quigley, who was assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney's office, is accused of crashing his unmarked MSP cruiser into a van, killing Schettino, a paraplegic Special Olympian. Prosecutors say Quigley's blood alcohol level was over the legal limit an hour after the crash, and his vehicle data shows he was speeding just before the collision. The van driver's quick thinking may have saved Quigley's life, but could not prevent Schettino's death.
- On December 12, 2023, the fatal crash occurred.
- Quigley was indicted on March 26, 2025 - two years and three months after the crash.
- Schettino died on January 13, 2024, a month after the crash, due to complications from his injuries.
The players
Scott Quigley
A Massachusetts State Police sergeant assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney's office who was involved in the fatal crash.
Angelo Schettino
A 37-year-old paraplegic Special Olympian who died a month after the crash due to his injuries.
Lynn Schettino
The mother of Angelo Schettino, who filed a negligence lawsuit against the nonprofit that operated the van.
Jennifer Penton
A Massachusetts State Police sergeant who was the patrol officer on duty the night of the crash but was directed not to question Quigley.
Bridgewell
The nonprofit organization that operated the van involved in the crash, which filed a complaint against the State Police seeking Quigley's medical records.
What they’re saying
“It appears I may have fallen asleep at the wheel at a curve in the road and continued traveling straight into the oncoming lane.”
— Scott Quigley
What’s next
A Lowell judge has halted jury empanelment in the trial of three brothers charged with first-degree murder, who were investigated by Quigley.
The takeaway
This case highlights concerns about accountability and transparency within the Massachusetts State Police, as well as the need for stricter policies and oversight when it comes to suspected drunk driving incidents involving law enforcement officers.
