SNOHOMISH COUNTY, WASHINGTON — A 33-year-old man, Raul Benitez-Santana, has been found guilty of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault in connection with the tragic death of Washington State Patrol Trooper Christopher Gadd.
The incident occurred in March 2024 when Trooper Gadd, 27, was struck and killed by a speeding vehicle while parked on the shoulder of Interstate 5. Gadd had been monitoring traffic for speeding and DUI drivers when he was hit from behind by Benitez-Santana’s vehicle, which was traveling at speeds over 100 mph.
The Fatal Crash
Benitez-Santana, a Mexican citizen in the U.S. illegally, was under the influence of both alcohol and marijuana at the time of the crash. According to reports, he admitted to drinking and smoking marijuana before driving. Witnesses stated that he was swerving across the road before crashing into the rear end of Gadd’s cruiser, killing the trooper instantly.
The crash was a three-vehicle incident, and Gadd was the sole fatality. Following his arrest, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a detainer request for Benitez-Santana at Snohomish County Jail.
Benitez-Santana’s Criminal History
Benitez-Santana has a long history of arrests and encounters with law enforcement, both locally and with immigration authorities. He was first encountered by ICE agents on October 28, 2013, when he was arrested for failure to appear in court for a driving on a suspended license charge. At the time, he was held at the South Correctional Entity in Burien, Washington.
Benitez-Santana was also convicted of possessing less than 40 grams of marijuana in May 2013 and sentenced to 90 days in jail, with 87 days suspended. In October 2014, he was again sentenced to 90 days for driving on a suspended license, and in May 2019, he was arrested for domestic violence assault.
ICE Detainer and Deportation Status
Following his conviction, ICE confirmed that Benitez-Santana remains under their custody, with a request for his detention and deportation once his local charges are resolved. The case has raised concerns about repeat offenders in the country illegally and the role of immigration enforcement in preventing further criminal activity.
A Community and State in Mourning
Trooper Christopher Gadd’s tragic death has left the Washington State Patrol and the entire community mourning the loss of a dedicated officer. Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to Gadd, who had been on the force for several years and was known for his commitment to public safety.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Benitez-Santana is expected to face sentencing for the vehicular homicide and assault charges. The legal process may continue with federal actions due to his immigration status and criminal history.
