DA recuses himself from probe into death of Massachusetts police recruit: ‘we have a conflict’

Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. stated, "We have a conflict," as he announced his recusal from the investigation into the death of a Massachusetts police recruit.

Enrique Delgado-Garcia, who previously worked for the district attorney's office, died Friday following a training exercise at the State Police Academy.

Early Jr. cited a conflict of interest in a press release on Monday and said, "There's no way this office can handle this."

"Everyone loved Enrique," the DA said-- visibly emotional.

Early said the 25-year-old had worked as a victim witness advocate for about a year and a half before leaving the DA's office in April to fulfill a lifelong dream of joining the State Police.

Delgado-Garcia was allegedly injured in the boxing ring; however, Early could not elaborate on the details. He revealed the incident was videotaped, and while authorities have completed an autopsy, the report is not yet finalized.

The district attorney explained that due to the close relationship he and his colleagues shared with Delgao-Garcia, the DA's office will assign the case to another party.

Furthermore, he highlighted "the family's concerns" as another factor that caused his office to hand the investigation over to someone who "does not have a stake in its outcome."

The State Police detectives assigned to the Worcester DA's office will continue investigating the incident.

"They've continued to investigate and continue to do so, just as they would on any other case," Early stated.

"And they will also work with whoever takes this matter."

Delgado-Garcia died at a hospital Friday, a day after he became unresponsive during a training exercise at the State Police Academy in New Braintree.

Tags

Massachusetts, Boston, Death, Investigation