Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and Attorney David Meier have announced the conclusion of an independent investigation into the death of Massachusetts State Trooper Enrique Delgado-Garcia. The investigation has resulted in indictments against four members of the Massachusetts State Police.
In a statement, AG Campbell said, “Trooper Enrique Delgado-Garcia should be alive today, fulfilling his dream of serving as a Massachusetts State Trooper. I first thank his family and the public for their tremendous patience. I am grateful for Attorney David Meier’s diligent and extensive efforts to follow the facts and seek accountability for those responsible for Enrique’s death.
State police trainees selflessly commit themselves to public service, and those responsible for training them have a duty to protect them from preventable harm. In no way is this investigation, and the charges it has yielded, a condemnation of all law enforcement. We can both honor the men and women who serve and protect our communities, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances, while also ensuring accountability within the system, especially when someone dies.”
Attorney Meier was appointed by AG Campbell as an independent investigator with full authority to make charging decisions. At a press conference, he announced that a Middlesex County Grand Jury returned indictments against Sergeant Jennifer Penton (involuntary manslaughter; causing serious bodily injury during physical exercise training; perjury), Trooper Edwin Rodriguez (involuntary manslaughter; causing serious bodily injury during physical exercise training), Trooper David Montanez (involuntary manslaughter; causing serious bodily injury during physical exercise training), and Trooper Casey LaMonte (involuntary manslaughter; causing serious bodily injury during physical exercise training).
Trooper Delgado-Garcia died on September 13, 2024, from injuries sustained while undergoing state police training. The case was referred to AG Campbell after Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early determined there was a conflict of interest because Delgado-Garcia had previously worked in that office as a victim witness advocate.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
