WORCESTER, Mass. — In a poignant demonstration of grief and demand for accountability, dozens gathered outside a graduation ceremony for Massachusetts State Police cadets on Wednesday, seeking clarity regarding the death of a cadet during a training exercise.
Enrique Delgado-Garcia, a 25-year-old recruit, tragically passed away at a hospital on September 13, following a “medical crisis” that occurred during a defensive tactics exercise. In light of this event, an attorney has been appointed by the state attorney general to spearhead an independent investigation into Delgado-Garcia’s untimely death.
Family members and friends, including Delgado-Garcia’s mother, are advocating for answers from the investigation, raising concerns over the potential excessive violence in the training exercise. Although she was not present at the protest, friends and relatives echoed the call for accountability.
“We are looking for justice and answers,” stated Jennifer Verges, one of the protesters holding a banner featuring Delgado-Garcia’s image. “Why is he not here graduating with his peers? We are here mourning his loss.”
Luis Canario, a cousin of Delgado-Garcia, voiced skepticism over the circumstances of his death, questioning whether it could be attributed to a boxing incident. He and several others argued that the graduation should have been postponed out of respect for Delgado-Garcia.
“It’s unfair that he doesn’t get to graduate with everyone else while an investigation is ongoing,” Canario remarked. “They call him their brother, yet one of their own is missing from this celebration.”
The protest highlighted growing calls for accountability that extend beyond Delgado-Garcia’s family. Groups such as the Latino Law Enforcement Group of Boston and Lawyers for Civil Rights have published statements urging transparency in the investigation.
Lawyers for Civil Rights demanded immediate suspensions of all individuals involved in the fatal incident, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of remaining recruits at the Massachusetts State Police Academy.
The death of Delgado-Garcia cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory occasion for the 185 graduating troopers at a Worcester auditorium, prompting a moment of silence and the wearing of shrouded badges in his honor.
Massachusetts officials, including the governor and the new state police superintendent, expressed their condolences during the ceremony, acknowledging the weight of grief felt by the graduates who lost their fellow recruit.
“Today’s celebration carries a significant weight. You lost a recruit,” the governor commented. “Trooper Enrique Delgado-Garcia was dedicated to serving and uplifting his community. We grieve with you.”
After the boxing ring exercise occurred at the Massachusetts State Police Academy in New Braintree, the department has since suspended full-contact boxing training activities among recruits.
Originally from Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Delgado-Garcia settled in Worcester at a young age and earned his degree from Westfield State University before serving as a victim’s advocate in the Worcester district attorney’s office.
“He had a kind heart and was always eager to help others,” Canario reflected. “He pursued his dream, but this tragedy occurred.”
