By What’s Up Worcester Staff
WORCESTER — Independent investigator Attorney David Meier announced Monday that criminal charges have been filed against four members of the Massachusetts State Police in connection with the 2024 death of Enrique Delgado-Garcia, a Worcester resident and State Police trainee.
The announcement comes nearly 17 months after Delgado-Garcia, 25, died from injuries sustained during a training exercise at the State Police Academy in New Braintree.
The Charges
Following an extensive independent investigation, a Worcester County Grand Jury returned indictments against a sergeant and three troopers involved in the academy’s Defensive Tactics Unit.
- Sergeant Jennifer Penton is charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, Causing Serious Bodily Injury to a Person Participating in a Training Program Involving Physical Exercise, and Perjury.
- Trooper Edwin Rodriguez, Trooper David Montanez, and Trooper Casey LaMonte are each charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and Causing Serious Bodily Injury to a Person Participating in a Training Program Involving Physical Exercise.
During the announcement, Meier emphasized the nature of the findings.
“There is no evidence that Delgado-Garcia was targeted nor was there any premeditation or malice,” Meier stated.
A Worcester Son Remembered
Enrique Delgado-Garcia was deeply rooted in the Worcester community. A graduate of North High School and Westfield State University, he had dedicated his early career to public service. Before entering the State Police Academy, he worked as a victim witness advocate for the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.
He passed away on September 13, 2024, one day after becoming unresponsive during a defensive tactics training exercise. He was sworn in as a Trooper in his final hours at the hospital.
The Investigation
The investigation was led by Attorney David Meier, who was appointed by Attorney General Andrea Campbell to ensure impartiality. The Worcester District Attorney’s Office had recused itself from the case early on due to Delgado-Garcia’s former employment there.
Attorney General Campbell also addressed the indictments on Monday.
“Trooper Enrique Delgado-Garcia should be alive today, fulfilling his dream of serving as a Massachusetts State Trooper,” Campbell said in a statement. “State police trainees selflessly commit themselves to public service, and those responsible for training them have a duty to protect them from preventable harm.”
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🔍 The W.U.W. Verification Box
- Project / Topic: Charges in Death of Enrique Delgado-Garcia
- Current Status: Indictments returned; charges filed
- Key Dates or Decisions: Charges announced Feb. 9, 2026; Incident occurred Sept. 2024
- Timeline (if known): Arraignment dates pending
- Immediate Next Steps: Legal proceedings for the four accused officers
- Primary Sources: Office of the Attorney General, Independent Investigator David Meier
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