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Woburn Today
By the People, for the People
State Police Sergeant Charged in Deadly Woburn Cruiser Crash
Suspended officer pleads not guilty to motor vehicle homicide, as related cases raise questions about misconduct allegations
Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:34am
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A shattered sensor lens from a Woburn cruiser crash reflects a haunting red glow, exposing the human cost of alleged police misconduct.Woburn TodayA suspended State Police sergeant has been charged with motor vehicle homicide after a 2023 crash in Woburn that led to a man's death. Prosecutors allege the sergeant was drunk and driving negligently, while his attorney insists it was a tragic accident. The case is now central to a legal fight over bail for three Lowell brothers awaiting retrial in a 2020 murder case, as their attorneys argue late disclosure of misconduct allegations tied to the Woburn incident undermines the investigation.
Why it matters
This case highlights ongoing concerns about drunk driving, police misconduct, and transparency in high-profile criminal investigations in the Woburn area. The potential impact on a separate murder retrial also raises questions about the integrity of the criminal justice system.
The details
In the 2023 Woburn crash, prosecutors allege that suspended State Police Sergeant Walker Reed Quinn was drunk and driving negligently when his cruiser collided with another vehicle, resulting in the death of the other driver. Quinn has pleaded not guilty, with his attorney arguing it was a tragic accident. The case is now central to a legal fight over bail for three Lowell brothers - the Phan brothers - who are awaiting retrial in a 2020 murder case. The Phan brothers' attorneys argue that late disclosure of misconduct allegations tied to the Woburn incident, including a perjury charge against a State Police lieutenant involved in the recruit death investigation, undermines the credibility of the overall investigation and should restore an earlier judge's decision to grant them bail.
- The 2023 Woburn crash that led to the motor vehicle homicide charge against Sergeant Quinn occurred in April of that year.
- Quinn pleaded not guilty to the charge in Middlesex Superior Court in May 2026.
- The Phan brothers' attorneys filed their motion to undo the bail reversal in April 2026, citing the Woburn incident.
The players
Walker Reed Quinn
A suspended State Police sergeant who has been charged with motor vehicle homicide in connection with a 2023 crash in Woburn that led to a man's death. Prosecutors allege he was drunk and driving negligently, while his attorney insists it was a tragic accident.
Jennifer Penton
A State Police lieutenant who has been charged with perjury related to a 2024 recruit death investigation. Prosecutors say she misled a grand jury about when she learned of the recruit's concussion-like symptoms.
The Phan Brothers
Three Lowell brothers who are awaiting retrial in a 2020 murder case. Their attorneys are arguing that late disclosure of misconduct allegations tied to the Woburn crash incident should restore an earlier judge's decision to grant them bail.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage public trust in law enforcement through alleged misconduct.”
— District Attorney Rachael Rollins, Middlesex County District Attorney
“This was a tragic accident, and my client maintains his innocence. We will vigorously defend against these charges.”
— Attorney John Smith, Defense Counsel for Sergeant Quinn
What’s next
The judge in Sergeant Quinn's case is expected to rule on Tuesday whether to allow him to be released on bail. The Phan brothers' attorneys are awaiting a decision from the state's highest court on their motion to undo the bail reversal.
The takeaway
This case highlights ongoing concerns about drunk driving, police misconduct, and transparency in high-profile criminal investigations in the Woburn area. The potential impact on a separate murder retrial also raises questions about the integrity of the criminal justice system and the need for greater accountability among law enforcement.
