WORCESTER, Mass. — Four members of the Massachusetts State Police Academy’s Defensive Tactics Unit appeared in court this week as the criminal case surrounding the 2024 death of recruit Enrique Delgado‑Garcia moves forward.
Charges and court appearances
Lt. Jennifer Penton, along with troopers Edwin Rodriguez, David Montanez and Casey Lamonte, are charged with involuntary manslaughter and causing serious bodily injury during a training exercise. All four have pleaded not guilty and remain suspended from duty with pay.
During a Worcester Superior Court hearing, defense attorney Brad Bailey emphasized the massive volume of discovery material already provided by prosecutors. “It’s a lengthy and attenuated process,” Bailey said, noting that his team has received roughly 14,000 pages of grand‑jury transcripts and 350 exhibits, and is still requesting additional documents.
Requests for further evidence
Bailey’s team has filed written requests for any records indicating which witnesses were granted immunity. According to a memo from special prosecutor David Meier, ten individuals—including troopers, sergeants, command staff and senior academy leadership—were granted judicial immunity and testified before a statewide grand jury last year.
Penton also faces a perjury charge for allegedly denying that she was informed of Delgado‑Garcia’s concussion‑like symptoms after he was knocked unconscious in a boxing match. Her defense team is seeking evidence explaining why she was charged while senior command staff were not.
Next steps
The defense argues that a full accounting of all relevant materials is essential for a fair trial before a jury of peers. “We’re working to ensure our clients receive an aggressive defense and a very fair trial,” Bailey said.
The next scheduled hearing is set for January 7, 2027. Until then, the four defendants remain on administrative leave with pay, and the investigation continues.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
