3 Massachusetts State Troopers Plead Not Guilty in Recruit's Death

Charges stem from 2024 incident during tactical training exercise

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a boxing glove against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, investigative aesthetic without words.The harsh flash photography of a boxing glove evokes the gritty investigation into the death of a Massachusetts State Police recruit during a training exercise.Worcester Today

A Massachusetts State Police supervisor and two instructors have pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the 2024 death of a 25-year-old recruit following a boxing match during training. Enrique Delgado-Garcia died a day after suffering a concussion and blunt force injuries during what investigators called an 'unapproved and unsafe' sparring session.

Why it matters

Charges against law enforcement officers for in-custody deaths are highly unusual, making this case a significant development. The incident has raised questions about the safety protocols and oversight of police training programs, particularly around high-risk activities like boxing matches.

The details

According to authorities, Delgado-Garcia suffered a concussion during a defensive tactics exercise involving boxing on September 12, 2024. The next day, he experienced a 'medical crisis' and became unresponsive during another training session, ultimately dying at a hospital. Lt. Jennifer Penton, Trooper David Montanez, and Trooper Edwin Rodriguez have been charged with involuntary manslaughter for their roles in the incident, which investigators deemed 'unapproved and unsafe'.

  • Delgado-Garcia suffered a concussion during a boxing match on September 12, 2024.
  • Delgado-Garcia died at a hospital on September 13, 2024, a day after the incident.

The players

Enrique Delgado-Garcia

A 25-year-old Massachusetts State Police recruit who died following a boxing match during training in 2024.

Lt. Jennifer Penton

A Massachusetts State Police supervisor who has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Delgado-Garcia's death.

Trooper David Montanez

A Massachusetts State Police instructor who has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Delgado-Garcia's death.

Trooper Edwin Rodriguez

A Massachusetts State Police instructor who has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Delgado-Garcia's death.

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What’s next

The three troopers will face trial in the coming months, where a judge will determine if the charges of involuntary manslaughter are warranted.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for rigorous safety protocols and oversight in police training programs, particularly around high-risk activities like boxing matches. The rare charges against the troopers underscore the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences for officers who fail to prioritize trainee safety.