(BOSTON 9/20/2024) – Yesterday, the three Massachusetts State Senators representing the City of Worcester sent a letter to Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell requesting the appointment of a conflict-of-interest Special Assistant Attorney General (“Conflict SAAG”) to investigate the circumstances around the tragic death of Worcester resident Enrique Delgado-Garcia during a training exercise at the Massachusetts State Police Academy in New Braintree. Delgado-Garcia was reportedly injured in a boxing ring during an exercise on Thursday, September 12th and died at UMass Memorial Medical Center the following day.
Prior to his death, Delgado-Garcia stated that he was subject to hazing and harassment while training at the State Police Academy, according to media reports. Although a State Police spokesman denies this, a former classmate alleges targeted hazing and harassment as well. “This demands a comprehensive and independent investigation – and only a fully empowered Conflict SAAG can deliver that investigation,” the letter, signed by Senators Michael Moore, Robyn Kennedy, and Peter Durant, states.
“The death of State Police trainee Enrique Delgado-Garcia is heartbreaking. This tragedy deserves a full independent investigation by a conflict-of-interest Special Assistant Attorney General, especially in light of revelations that Enrique reported hazing and harassment by fellow classmates and instructors,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “Hazing should never be tolerated, especially if targeted on the basis of race or ethnicity – doubly so from an agency that holds itself up as the Commonwealth’s chief law enforcement authority. If the allegations of targeted harassment are true, something must be done to fix the broken culture within the Academy to ensure this never happens again. We owe it to Enrique, to his family, and to all future recruits of the Academy to make sure a thorough investigation by an independent party is completed.”
“Enrique Delgado-Garcia and his family deserve a comprehensive and transparent review of the circumstances that led to his tragic death. This is not just about understanding what happened during the training exercise, but ensuring that the training at the Massachusetts State Police Academy is both safe and equitable for all recruits,” said Senator Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester). “A full and independent investigation is the only way to ensure accountability and justice. Rigorous training is essential, but it should never come at the expense of an individual’s dignity, safety, or life. We must do everything we can to prevent future tragedies and create an environment of fairness and respect. Enrique’s family, and all future recruits, deserve no less."
The letter, beyond requesting the appointment of a Conflict SAAG, urges that the investigator be given the authority to issue and enforce compulsory legal processes to obtain documents and testimony, as well as be given the power to prosecute potential state crimes and coordinate with federal officials, if necessary. Further, the letter requests that the Conflict SAAG be required to issue a public report with their findings, as well as recommendations for changes to policy, practices, and culture at the State Police, including any changes to state laws or regulations.
Although details around the circumstances that led to his death remain unclear, media reports indicate that Delgado-Garcia sustained severe injuries during a training exercise that took place in a boxing ring on September 12th. After being rushed to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, he was administered the oath of office before he passed on September 13th. It is unconfirmed what injuries Delgado-Garcia sustained, though an autopsy was reportedly completed. The State Police Academy’s boxing program was suspended and subsequently reintroduced in the 1990s in response to injuries.
Enrique Delgado-Garcia graduated from Worcester’s North High School in 2017. Following his graduation, he became a victim-witness advocate for Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.’s office before leaving to join the Massachusetts State Police.
Because of his connection to District Attorney Early’s office, the authority who would typically investigate an incident like this, the DA declined to handle the investigation, citing the potential conflict of interest.
“We acknowledge that an independent investigation into the Commonwealth’s State Police is a major development, but the recent history of the State Police, other allegations of harassment at the State Police Academy and this incident warrant this response,” the Senators write.
The full letter is available online here.
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