Former Boxer and Police Officer Indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter

Edwin Rodriguez faces charges in 2024 death of Massachusetts State Police recruit during training exercise

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A former professional boxer and Massachusetts State Police officer, Edwin Rodriguez, has been indicted by a Worcester County grand jury for involuntary manslaughter in the 2024 death of 25-year-old State Police recruit Enrique Delgado-Garcia. Delgado-Garcia died from injuries sustained during a boxing-related defensive tactics exercise at the State Police Academy in New Braintree.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about the safety protocols and training practices used by law enforcement agencies, especially when involving high-intensity physical activities like boxing. It also highlights the challenges faced by former professional athletes transitioning into public service roles.

The details

Edwin Rodriguez, a former pro boxer with a 31-2 record and two national amateur titles, joined the Massachusetts State Police in 2021 after his boxing career. In 2025, he earned around $184,000 as a trooper. On September 13, 2024, 25-year-old State Police recruit Enrique Delgado-Garcia died from injuries sustained during a boxing-related defensive tactics exercise at the academy in New Braintree. Rodriguez has now been indicted by a Worcester County grand jury for involuntary manslaughter in Delgado-Garcia's death, and the POST Commission has suspended his police certification.

  • In 2008-2019, Rodriguez had a professional boxing career with a 31-2 record and 20 KOs.
  • In 2021, Rodriguez joined the Massachusetts State Police and graduated the academy in October.
  • In 2025, Rodriguez earned around $184,000 as a Massachusetts State Police trooper.
  • On September 13, 2024, recruit Enrique Delgado-Garcia died from injuries sustained during a boxing exercise at the State Police Academy.
  • In February 2026, Rodriguez was indicted by a Worcester County grand jury for involuntary manslaughter.

The players

Edwin Rodriguez

A former professional boxer with a 31-2 record and two national amateur titles, who joined the Massachusetts State Police in 2021 and was later indicted for involuntary manslaughter in the 2024 death of a State Police recruit.

Enrique Delgado-Garcia

A 25-year-old Massachusetts State Police recruit who died on September 13, 2024, from injuries sustained during a boxing-related defensive tactics exercise at the State Police Academy.

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What they’re saying

“Never good news to see in boxing from a former fighter.”

— Niall Doran, Author (boxingnewsandviews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Rodriguez to remain free on bail pending further proceedings.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for law enforcement agencies to carefully review their training protocols, especially when involving high-intensity physical activities, to ensure the safety of both recruits and instructors. It also underscores the challenges former professional athletes can face when transitioning into public service roles.