A suspended Massachusetts State Police sergeant pleaded not guilty Wednesday to motor vehicle homicide in connection with a 2023 collision that left one man dead. The plea brings a formal legal start to a case that has grown beyond a traffic fatality, sparking intense scrutiny over police conduct and allegations of a systemic cover-up within the local justice system.
Sgt. Scott Quigley, a detective who has been suspended without pay, appeared in court following an indictment last month. He was released on his own personal recognizance, meaning he was permitted to leave without posting bail, pending his future court dates.
The charges stem from a December 2023 crash in Woburn, where prosecutors allege Quigley was operating an unmarked cruiser negligently and under the influence of alcohol. According to the prosecution, Quigley crossed the center line on Lexington Street, striking an oncoming van head-on.
The impact of the crash proved fatal for Angelo Schettino, a 37-year-old man with developmental challenges who was a passenger in the van. Schettino was traveling to a group home at the time of the accident. He was hospitalized immediately following the collision but succumbed to his injuries approximately one month later.
Allegations of a systemic cover-up
While the criminal charges focus on the crash itself, the proceedings have been overshadowed by claims that the investigation was intentionally delayed or obstructed. The case is currently under a microscope due to questions regarding what officials at the Middlesex District Attorney’s office knew about the incident and when they became aware of the facts.
These concerns were amplified following an independent investigation, which alluded to potential cover-up efforts. This sentiment was echoed strongly by Michael Mahoney, the attorney representing the Schettino family, who is also pursuing a civil lawsuit against the state.
“This [arraignment] is something that should have reach out two years ago, it’s as simple as that,” Mahoney said outside the courthouse. He described facing significant hurdles over several months while attempting to gather evidence. “It’s a cover-up, it’s been a cover-up and they’re going to keep covering it up.”
The timing of the indictment has turn into a central point of contention for the victim’s family. Lynn Schettino, Angelo’s mother, spoke outside the courthouse on Wednesday, expressing a mixture of hope and skepticism regarding the legal process.
“I hope they come and do the right thing,” she said. “We always have faith in our justice system, but with everything that’s happening everywhere how can we?”
The defense and the dispute over evidence
Defense attorney Christina Pujals Ronan has firmly rejected the narrative of a conspiracy, characterizing the event as a “tragic accident” rather than a criminal act. She argued that the loud accusations of a cover-up are not based on fact and will not hold up under legal scrutiny.
“You can scream cover-up louder and louder, but it doesn’t make it true,” Pujals Ronan said. “The truth will come out at trial.”
A key pillar of the defense’s strategy appears to be the challenge of forensic evidence. Pujals Ronan specifically called into question the accuracy and reliability of the blood test administered to Sgt. Quigley following the crash, suggesting that the results may not be a definitive reflection of his state at the time of the collision.
Timeline of the Case
The progression of the case from the initial accident to the current criminal proceedings is summarized below:
| Date | Event | Outcome/Status |
|---|---|---|
| December 2023 | Crash on Lexington St., Woburn | Unmarked cruiser strikes van; injuries reported |
| January 2024 | Death of Angelo Schettino | Victim dies one month after the collision |
| Early 2024 | Independent Investigation | Findings suggest potential cover-up allegations |
| May 2024 | Grand Jury Indictment | Sgt. Quigley indicted for motor vehicle homicide |
| June 2024 | Arraignment | Quigley pleads not guilty; released on recognizance |
Legal implications of motor vehicle homicide
In Massachusetts, a charge of motor vehicle homicide typically requires the prosecution to prove that the defendant operated a vehicle in a reckless or negligent manner that caused the death of another person. When combined with allegations of driving under the influence, the legal stakes increase, as intoxication is often used to establish the “reckless” threshold required for the charge.
The use of an unmarked cruiser in this incident adds a layer of complexity to the public interest. Unmarked vehicles are often used by detectives for surveillance or rapid response, but they are subject to the same traffic laws and safety regulations as any other vehicle on the road. The fact that a high-ranking officer was allegedly operating such a vehicle while impaired has fueled the demand for transparency and accountability.
The ongoing civil lawsuit filed by the Schettino family will likely run parallel to the criminal case, though it operates under a different burden of proof. While the criminal case requires proof “beyond a reasonable doubt,” the civil case only requires a “preponderance of the evidence” to establish liability for damages.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sgt. Scott Quigley remains suspended without pay as the legal process continues. He is scheduled to return to court on June 9 for further proceedings.
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