The Rhode Island State Police badge represents accountability and professionalism.
Two Rhode Island State Troopers have been terminated from their positions for sharing an inappropriate video linked to the death of 21-year-old Alex Montesino. The incident involved the circulation of traffic camera footage of the fatal pedestrian accident, which was shared on social media with derogatory commentary. This has led to public outrage and highlighted the need for accountability and compassion by law enforcement, especially in handling sensitive incidents involving victims and their families.
Rhode Island – Two Rhode Island State Troopers have been terminated from their positions following the sharing of an inappropriate video related to a fatal pedestrian accident that claimed the life of 21-year-old Alex Montesino. The troopers, part of the 2024 academy class, violated several regulations and policies of the Rhode Island State Police, leading to their dismissal.
The incident in question involved the circulation of a disturbing video that featured traffic camera footage of Montesino being struck and killed by multiple vehicles on Interstate 95 in Providence. The accident took place at approximately 11:40 p.m. on October 12, 2024, as Montesino was crossing the highway after stopping his car in the breakdown lane. Reports indicate that the video contained audio of laughter in the background and was shared on Snapchat with an explicit and derogatory caption.
It has been confirmed that the video passed through the hands of at least two state troopers before it was made public on social media. This action has drawn significant ire from Montesino’s family, who have stated that the sharing of the video dehumanized their loved one and turned a tragic event into a piece of social media content. The emotional impact was compounded for his family when Montesino’s twin sister viewed the video shortly before his funeral, adding further layers of grief and distress to their loss.
Col. Darnell S. Weaver, the Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, expressed disappointment regarding the troopers’ actions, highlighting a serious lack of judgment and empathy towards the tragedy that befell Montesino and his family. The Rhode Island State Police have since made it clear that they will not be commenting further on the troopers’ actions as they are no longer part of the division.
This incident has sparked discussions regarding the ethical responsibilities of law enforcement officers, particularly in handling sensitive information and the importance of treating victims and their families with respect and dignity. The Rhode Island State Police have emphasized their commitment to upholding professionalism within the agency and ensuring that such violations are addressed swiftly and decisively.
The family of Alex Montesino has stated their hope for accountability in light of this incident, reflecting a desire not only for justice for their loved one but also for a broader change in the culture of law enforcement interactions with tragedies. The tragic accident that took Montesino’s life serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of reckless behavior behind the wheel and the need for compassion in all aspects of community and police interactions.
As the Rhode Island State Police move forward after this incident, the circumstances surrounding this case have sparked conversations about social media ethics, especially the dangers of objectifying tragedy for entertainment. The agency’s actions in dismissing the two troopers signal a recognition of the need for accountability within the force, restoring some degree of public trust while honoring the memory of those lost in tragic circumstances such as Montesino’s.
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