Friday, February 13, 2026

ACADEMY STAFF INDICTED IN TRAINEE'S DEATH

By Bob Walsh

 

Enrique Delgado-Garcia 

 

Four members of the staff at the Massachusetts State Police Academy have been indicted for involuntary manslaughter in the death of a trainee.

Sergeant Jennifer Penton and Troopers Edwin Rodriguez, David Montanez and Casey LaMonte are facing charges of causing serious bodily injury as well as involuntary manslaughter in the death of trooper trainee Enrique Delgado-Garcia.  Penton is also facing perjury charges.  The charges were announced this past Monday.

Trainee Delgado-Garcia was knocked unconscious during a boxing exercise on 09-12-24.  He died the following day.  The trainee had allegedly been exhibited concussion symptoms BEFORE he was knocked out during defensive tactics training.  It is further alleged that some of the training being engaged in was not part of the official curriculum and was unauthorized and unsupervised.

A special state-wide grand jury heard evidence in the case.  None of the troopers have yet been arrested and will be issued summonses.  

No charges were brought against the academy command staff.   
 
EDITOR'S NOTE: I never could see any good reason for including boxing in the basic training of police officers. The only reason for including it is to see if a recruit can take physical punishment.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I was taught 3 from the ring during the COM Academy. It was useful during my career. Later in my career the TABC Academy taught pain compliance which was no picnic.