Investigation into death of Massachusetts State Trooper results in four members facing criminal charges being relieved of duty

The results of an independent investigation into the death of Massachusetts State Trooper Enrique Delgado-Garcia while at the police academy has resulted in actions by the Massachusetts State Police.

MSP has announced that in accordance with Article 6 of its rules and regulations, the Massachusetts State Police relieved four members of duty who will face criminal charges as a result of the independent investigation into Trooper Enrique Delgado Garcia’s death.

They are:

Lieutenant Jennifer Penton

• Member of the 82nd Recruit Training Troop who Graduated the State Police Academy in April 2016
• Last assigned to the Revere Barracks

Trooper Casey LaMonte

• Member of the 85th Recruit Training Troop who graduated from the State Police Academy in May 2020
• Assigned to the Certification Unit

Trooper Edwin Rodriguez

• Member of the 86th Recruit Training Troop who graduated from the State Police Academy in October 2021
• Last assigned to the State Police Academy

Trooper David Montanez

• Member of the 86th Recruit Training Troop who graduated from the State Police Academy in October 2021
• Last Assigned to the State Police Academy

MSP stated that these members have never been the subject of Department discipline.

In any State Police discipline process, the Trooper is subject to a duty status hearing, which results in either being retained on full duty, placed on restricted duty, suspended with pay, or suspended without pay.

At Monday’s press conference, Attorney David Meier, who was appointed by AG Andrea Campell as an independent investigator and had full autonomy and authority to make charging decisions, announced that a Worcester County Grand Jury has returned the following indictments against four Massachusetts State Police officials: 

Sergeant Jennifer Penton 

• Involuntary Manslaughter (G. L. c. 265, § 13) 
• Causing Serious Bodily Injury to a Person Participating in a Training Program Involving Physical Exercise (G. L. c. 265, § 40) 
• Perjury (G. L. c. 268, § 1)  

Trooper Edwin Rodriguez 

• Involuntary Manslaughter (G. L. c. 265, § 13) 
• Causing Serious Bodily Injury to a Person Participating in a Training Program Involving Physical Exercise (G. L. c. 265, § 40) 

Trooper David Montanez 

• Involuntary Manslaughter (G. L. c. 265, § 13) 
• Causing Serious Bodily Injury to a Person Participating in a Training Program Involving Physical Exercise (G. L. c. 265, § 40) 

Trooper Casey LaMonte 

• Involuntary Manslaughter (G. L. c. 265, § 13) 
• Causing Serious Bodily Injury to a Person Participating in a Training Program Involving Physical Exercise (G. L. c. 265, § 40) 

On September 13, 2024, Trooper Delgado-Garcia died as a result of injuries he sustained while training to become an MSP Trooper. Death investigations are typically handled by local district attorney’s offices, but in this case, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early appropriately determined that his office had a conflict of interest, as Trooper Delgado-Garcia formerly worked in that office as a victim witness advocate. Shortly after Trooper Delgado-Garcia’s death and at the request of DA Early, AG Campbell appointed an independent investigator, Attorney Meier, to review the facts surrounding Trooper Delgado-Garcia’s death. 

After Monday’s press conference, the head of the Massachusetts State Police, Colonel Geoffrey Noble released the following statement:

“Today is a difficult and somber day for the Massachusetts State Police as we continue to understand the events that led to the tragic death of Trooper Enrique Delgado Garcia. As a law enforcement agency, we respect the legal process and have fully cooperated with the independent investigation while remaining focused on our mission and continuing the important work of keeping Massachusetts communities safe.

“In the period since the tragedy, the Department has taken several steps to strengthen training at the Academy, including commissioning an independent review by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and expanding support for recruits. As the IACP review nears completion, our work continues with focus and resolve, guided by Enrique’s memory, and committed to the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, and training. We will remain engaged with the legal process and will reserve further comment at this time to protect its integrity.”

MSP noted that in May, the Colonel announced several changes at the Academy which you can read here. Specific changes include:

1. Commissioning an independent review of all training by the IACP
2. Appointing new academy leadership, including a new commandant
3. Completing an hour-by-hour curriculum review
4. Continuing the suspension of boxing
5. Dividing the class into two, smaller cohorts

Massachusetts State Police also noted the following:

“In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Department immediately suspended boxing as part of the Academy’s defensive tactics curriculum. That suspension continued for the remainder of the 90th Recruit Training Troop (RTT) and the duration of the 91st and 92nd RTTs.  

“The Department commemorated the first anniversary of Trooper Enrique Delgado Garcia’s death with a moment of silence at the State Police Academy. In recognition of the impact of this tragedy, the Academy flew flags at half staff and named the 1.5-mile track in honor of Trooper Delgado-Garcia.

“Following the reforms, the State Police delivered a reformed 23-week training program to more than 200 trainees across the 91st and 92nd RTTs. The curriculum included criminal law, police procedures, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operation, emergency first aid, de-escalation and use of force progression, use of firearms and less-than-lethal weapons, ethics, and specialized topics including responding to instances of domestic violence and animal cruelty and communicating with persons with unique needs. Training includes dozens of scenarios simulating the complex situations and duties the new Troopers will respond to during their careers, including motor vehicle stops, combative suspects, barricaded suspects, unattended deaths, medical emergencies, and drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs.

“In any line of duty death, the Department provides support and resources to the deceased member’s remaining loved ones as they cope with the unimaginable loss. They remain full members of our State Police Family forever.”

These charges are allegations, and all defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.