Massachusetts State Police Instructors Arraigned in Recruit's Death After Boxing Incident

Three members of the Massachusetts State Police tactical unit were arraigned Thursday in Worcester in connection with the death of recruit Enrique Delgado-Garcia, who sustained fatal injuries during a training exercise in September 2024.

Lt. Jennifer Penton, Trooper Edwin Rodriguez, and Trooper David Montanez each pleaded not guilty in Worcester Superior Court to charges including involuntary manslaughter and causing serious bodily injury to a participant in a training program. Penton also faces a perjury charge related to her grand jury testimony. A fourth trooper, Casey LaMonte, is scheduled for arraignment on April 14.

Authorities allege that Delgado-Garcia, 25, received a concussion during a sparring session in the state police academy’s boxing ring and, despite his injury, participated in a subsequent “unapproved and unsafe” boxing match that resulted in multiple blunt force head injuries and massive brain bleeding. Delgado-Garcia died at a hospital on September 13, 2024, a day after becoming unresponsive during the exercise.

The arraignment drew a substantial crowd, with supporters of Delgado-Garcia's family gathered outside the courthouse. The three accused were released on personal recognizance, with conditions set by the judge including no contact with potential witnesses. A pretrial conference has been scheduled for June 16.

Criminal prosecutions following the death of law enforcement recruits during academy training are exceedingly rare. An investigation found that, while dozens of similar deaths have occurred nationwide since 2015, criminal charges have almost never been pursued.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell emphasized the importance of an independent, impartial investigation into Delgado-Garcia’s death, echoing calls for accountability from advocacy groups and family members. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.