Middlesex County DA Spends Over $20,000 on Fatal Cruiser Investigation

The Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office spent more than $20,000 on an independent investigation into its handling of a fatal cruiser crash involving a Massachusetts State Police sergeant, according to public records obtained by the Boston Herald.

The investigation was commissioned by District Attorney Marian Ryan to examine when and which members of the office became aware of allegations that the officer involved in the crash was intoxicated.

Details of the 2023 Crash

The probe stems from an incident in December 2023, in which Massachusetts State Police Sgt. Scott Quigley drove his cruiser into a wheelchair van. The collision resulted in injuries to Angelo Schettino, a Special Olympian.

Schettino died in the hospital approximately one month after the crash occurred.

Allegations surfaced earlier in 2026 that Sgt. Quigley was drunk at the time of the collision. According to the Boston Herald, these allegations only came to light after years had passed and a wrongful death lawsuit was filed by the family of Angelo Schettino.

The Independent Investigation

To address the handling of the case, the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office hired retired Massachusetts Superior Court Judge Thomas Drechsler to conduct an independent review.

As part of the process, Judge Drechsler conducted 34 interviews, which included an interview with District Attorney Ryan herself.

Middlesex spokesperson Meghan Kelly provided a statement regarding the decision to hire an outside investigator:

District Attorney [Marian] Ryan decided to commission an independent investigation by former Massachusetts Superior Court Judge Thomas Drechsler because she believes that the public deserves answers about this important matter. Judge Dreschler’s investigation was timely and comprehensive. He conducted 34 interviews (including with District Attorney Ryan herself).

Meghan Kelly, Middlesex spokesperson

Withheld Evidence and Pending Hearings

The Boston Herald has requested the audio recordings and transcripts of the interviews conducted during Judge Drechsler’s investigation. However, the District Attorney’s Office has withheld this information.

The release of these materials is pending a discovery hearing scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2026. The hearing will determine which evidence in the motor vehicle homicide case against Sgt. Quigley will be released to the public.

Middlesex ADA Meagan Horn addressed the request for the interview transcripts, stating, That determination will resolve the question of whether and to what extent the interviews may be disclosed.