What you should know about David Meier’s investigation

“Today I am appointing Attorney David Meier to lead this investigation. Mr. Meier has extensive experience in death investigations and will ensure independence and integrity in this matter.”

Here’s what you need to know about Meier and the latest developments in the investigation.

Who is David Meier?

A trial lawyer and prosecutor for more than 30 years, Meier most recently worked for the law firm of Todd & Weld LLP, where he led the State Investigations and Criminal Defense Working Group. He also served for more than 10 years as Chief of the Homicide Unit for the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office, where he received widespread praise for his commitment to justice for victims and the wrongfully convicted. As Chief, he oversaw the investigation, prosecution and trial of all homicide cases in the City of Boston.

He was selected by Best Lawyers in America as “Lawyer of the Year” 2023 in the category of Criminal Defense: General Practice in Boston. In previous interviews He said the highest duty of a prosecutor is to seek truth and justice, whether that means convicting the guilty or exonerating the innocent.

From 2012 to 2013, he served as special counsel to former Governor Deval Patrick and led the investigation to identify all individuals who may have been affected by the misconduct at the Hinton State Drug Lab. Meier’s report listed tens of thousands of criminal cases that were falsified by the scandal.

Meier graduated from Boston University School of Law in 1982 and has extensive experience as a prosecutor, including positions in Middlesex County.

What is the case?

Enrique Delgado-Garcia, a 25-year-old recruit, was scheduled to graduate from the State Police Academy on October 9, but died on September 13 after a “defensive tactics exercise” in a boxing ring at New Braintree Academy.

His family is seeking clarification on the circumstances of his death. His family members told NBC Boston and Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra that he suffered serious injuries, including a broken neck and a brain injury, before being taken to a Worcester hospital, where he was placed on life support. The incident was confirmed to have occurred in the boxing ring and was captured on video, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.

Why do we have an independent prosecutor?

Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. is in charge of the case but said he would recuse himself to avoid a conflict of interest in the investigation into the death of Delgado-Garcia, who worked in his office as a victim witness advocate. Early consulted with Campbell about appointing an outside investigator after saying he did not believe any other district attorney in the state could take on the case because, like him, they work closely with state police.

“The investigation into Trooper Delgado-Garcia’s death will be conducted professionally, thoroughly and responsibly,” Meier said in a statement. “The Delgado-Garcia family, their community and the public have waited patiently. Now it is time to get to work.”

What will he research?

Meier will lead the investigation into the circumstances of the death and said the investigation will be conducted “professionally, thoroughly and responsibly.” He has full authority to issue subpoenas and will make the final decision on whether to pursue civil or criminal charges.

In the meantime, “full-contact boxing training activities” at the academy have been suspended, state police announced Sunday.

Jessie Rossman, legal director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, called for a federal investigation, stating: “It is critical that allegations of misconduct, discrimination and abuse at police training facilities – particularly at the State Police Academy, and particularly following a violent death – are investigated thoroughly, impartially and expeditiously.” Rossman later welcomed Meier’s appointment but still called for a federal investigation.

Three state senators – Democrats Michael Moore of Millbury and Robyn Kennedy of Worcester and Republican Peter Durant of Spencer – wrote to Campbell demanding the appointment of a special assistant attorney general to investigate the circumstances leading to Delgado-Garcia’s death and the academy’s training programs and policies.

Governor Maura Healey also welcomed Meier’s appointment and said in a statement, “I am heartbroken by the loss of Enrique Delgado Garcia, a Massachusetts State Police intern. His goal was to protect the people of Massachusetts.”

Rachel Umansky-Castro can be reached at [email protected].