AG puts Boston lawyer in charge of inquiry into death of recruit Enrique Delgado-Garcia

A trial lawyer now in private practice will lead the inquiry into the death of state police recruit Enrique Delgado-Garcia.

David Meier, who served as special counsel to Gov. Deval Patrick, is a former chief of homicide in the Office of the Suffolk County District Attorney.

The announcement of Meier as the lead investigator was made Monday by Attorney General Andrea Campbell.

The naming of Meier comes 10 days after Delgado-Garcia died from injuries sustained at the Massachusetts State Police Academy in New Braintree. The Worcester resident, 25, was a member of the 90th Recruit Training Troop.

September 12, he became unconscious during a training exercise that involved boxing, officials said. He died a day later.

Meier is being handed the case by the Office of Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. The death happened in that office's jurisdiction, but because of Delgado-Garcia's close ties to the office, Early withdrew from the case.

Delgado-Garcia was a victim-witness advocate for Early's office before leaving to join the state police. He worked closely with the staff during his 18 months as an advocate.

September 16, Early announced that he was recusing his office from the investigation. Campbell's office eventually took charge of determining who would take the case.

Meier is a partner at Todd & Weld.

“The investigation into Trooper Delgado-Garcia's death will be undertaken professionally, thoroughly, and responsibly," Meier said in a statement released by the attorney general. "The Delgado-Garcia family, their community, and the public have been waiting patiently. It is now time to get to work.”

Delgado-Garcia's family and some lawmakers have called for an investigation into the death. Campbell said state police will have no role in the inquiry.

"Mr. Meier has deep experience in death investigations and will ensure independence and integrity in this matter," Campbell said in a statement.

In 2012, Meier was appointed by Patrick to oversee the review of cases processed at the Hinton State Drug Labratory after a chemist acknowledged that she skirted protocols and manipulated drug samples.

More than a decade ago, Meier was the defense lawyer for Ernest Wallace, an acquaintance of Aaron Hernandez, the Patriots player convicted of killing a man.

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