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Massachusetts Attorney General names lead investigator into death of Trooper Enrique Delgado-Garcia
BOSTON – Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell today named Attorney David Meier to lead an independent investigation into the death of Enrique Delgado-Garcia, who died while training to become a member of the Massachusetts State Police.
A trial attorney for over 30 years, Meier is a Partner at Todd & Weld LLP, where he serves as Chair of the firm’s Government Investigations and Criminal Defense Practice Group. In 2012-2013, Meier served as Special Counsel to Governor Deval Patrick in overseeing the investigation into the identification of all individuals potentially impacted by the misconduct at the Hinton State Drug Laboratory.
Prior to his time in private practice, Meier was the Chief of Homicide in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office where he supervised the investigation, prosecution and trial of homicides within Suffolk County.
“Trooper Delgado-Garcia lost his life while training to protect and serve the Commonwealth, and I want to thank his family and the public for their patience as we sought to identify the most appropriate authority to investigate the facts surrounding his tragic death,” said AG Campbell. “Today, I am appointing Attorney David Meier to lead that investigation. Mr. Meier has deep experience in death investigations and will ensure independence and integrity in this matter.”
“The investigation into Trooper Delgado-Garcia’s death will be undertaken professionally, thoroughly, and responsibly. The Delgado-Garcia family, their community, and the public have been waiting patiently. It is now time to get to work.” said Attorney Meier.
Meier will have complete authority to select his own investigative and legal team and to make his own independent decisions about the facts, the evidence, and the course of the investigation.
According to the AG, Meier and the investigative team will be afforded the full support of the Attorney General’s Office, and the AGO will be briefed throughout the investigation. The Massachusetts State Police will have no role in the investigative team or decision-making process.
Delgado-Garcia, of Worcester, passed away suddenly while surrounded by loved ones on Friday, September 13, 2024, after injuries sustained during a boxing training exercise as a trainee while at the Massachusetts State Police Academy.
The Massachusetts State Police administered the oath of office in Delgado-Garcia’s final hours of life. He was surrounded by family, loved ones, and classmates during the bi-lingual ceremony, which culminated in him being pinned with his Trooper Badge.
Mystery still surrounds Delgado-Garcia’s death, and with the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office recusing themselves due to their prior working relationship with him, Jessie Rossman, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts, released the following statement calling for a federal investigation:
“The death of Enrique Delgado-Garcia and allegations of abuse and discrimination at the Massachusetts State Police Academy require a thorough independent investigation. Mr. Delgado-Garcia reportedly was beaten to death at the State Police Academy more than a week ago. His fatal injuries were reportedly incredibly severe, including damage to his brain, a broken neck, and missing teeth. It is hard to imagine how such injuries could have been inflicted in a closely supervised training environment.
“Since Mr. Delgado-Garcia’s death, one of his former classmates has described his own experiences at the Academy, alleging severe instances of abuse and discrimination. Against the backdrop of Mr. Delgado-Garcia’s death, this raises serious questions about whether there is a pattern and practice of discrimination or other systemic illegality at the Academy.”
“It is critical that allegations of misconduct, discrimination, and abuse at police training facilities — especially at the State Police Academy, and especially after a violent death has occurred — be thoroughly, impartially, and rapidly investigated. After more than a week, Massachusetts law enforcement agencies have yet to launch an independent investigation. Because the State Police are embedded in every major law enforcement agency in the Commonwealth, it appears there is currently no state-level law enforcement agency in a position to do so. Federal authorities, like the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation, should urgently step in and initiate an immediate federal investigation into Mr. Delgado-Garcia’s death and the related circumstances.
“In the long term, this raises the broader question about why there is no routine way to investigate potential Massachusetts State Police misconduct within the Commonwealth. Every state actor, including law enforcement, requires oversight; the lack of an established, state-led mechanism to investigate these types of allegations involving State Police is highly concerning.”
According to an obituary, “Enrique started his career with the Worcester District Attorney’s office as a victim’s advocate. He had worked there for a year and a half before being recruited by the Massachusetts State Police.”
Enrique was described as an “exceptional young man who devoted himself to the service of others. He had always dreamed of becoming a State Trooper and to be someone big who made a difference in the lives of the people in his community. Renowned for his kind heart, generosity, and dedication, Enrique had a strong desire to help anyone he could. He had the biggest heart and would never give up. Enrique was a dedicated friend who was known as a champion and a winner, and that is how he will forever be remembered.”
The Massachusetts State Police previously stated that they are committed to providing support and resources to Delgado-Garcia’s family, friends, and fellow academy recruits in the coming days and weeks as they cope with this unimaginable loss.
“We remain focused on ensuring the well-being of all members of our Academy and Department as they process this event.”
Boxing training has also been suspended at the Academy after Delgado-Garcia’s death
Colonel John E. Mawn Jr. released a statement on behalf of Massachusetts State Police at the time of Delgado-Garcia’s death:
“The Massachusetts State Police grieves the tragic loss of Trainee Enrique Delgado-Garcia, and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. They have the full measure of our support and care, and they remain full members of our State Police Family.
“Enrique was a fine young man who devoted himself to the service of others as a member of the 90th Recruit Training Troop and in his former role as a victim witness advocate in the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office. In his short time with the State Police, Enrique demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to learn and a desire to deliver excellent police services to the people of Massachusetts. He made an immediate impression on his classmates and the Academy Staff. By all accounts, Enrique possessed and displayed all the qualities that would have made him an outstanding Trooper: kindness and compassion, dedication, commitment, willingness to work hard to improve himself, and a strong desire help others.
“As a Department, we will, first and foremost, continue to support Enrique’s family, and honor his memory. We will additionally support our members, trainees, and their families as they cope with this heartbreaking loss.”
A period of Calling Hours will be held for Delgado-Garcia on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL. Friends and family are invited to gather at the funeral home prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. Enrique will be laid to rest following the funeral Service in Hope Cemetery, Worcester.
