MA Police Academy Staff Charged in Trainee's Death, Suspended

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Four members of the Massachusetts State Police Academy staff, including one supervisor, were relieved of duty and had their certifications suspended after being charged in connection with the death of a trainee in 2024. Sgt. Jennifer Penton, Trooper Edwin Rodriguez, Trooper David Montanez and Trooper Casey LaMonte were all charged with involuntary manslaughter and causing serious bodily injury to a person participating in a training program. Penton was also charged with perjury.

Why it matters

The charges and suspensions highlight the serious nature of the incident and the state's commitment to holding the staff accountable for their actions. The death of the trainee, Enrique Delgado-Garcia, raises questions about the safety and oversight of police training programs in Massachusetts.

The details

According to the independent investigation, the boxing exercise that led to Delgado-Garcia's death was unauthorized, unapproved, and unsupervised. The four individuals charged did not fulfill their legal duty to protect the trainees and committed 'wanton and reckless' acts. Delgado-Garcia was set to graduate less than a month after the incident but died at the hospital a day after sustaining his injuries.

• Enrique Delgado-Garcia died on September 13, 2024, a day after being injured during a boxing exercise at the Massachusetts State Police Academy.
• The four individuals were charged on Monday, February 11, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The four individuals have been relieved of duty while the legal process unfolds. They are expected to be summoned to court. A duty status hearing will determine whether the troopers will be retained on full duty, placed on restricted duty, or suspended with or without pay. The outcome of the criminal charges could have significant implications for the Massachusetts State Police Academy's training protocols.