Man who killed WSP trooper in DUI crash sentenced to more than 10 years in prison

Raul Benitez-Santana will spend more than 10 years behind bars for killing Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Christopher Gadd in a DUI crash in March 2024.

Benitez-Santana was sentenced to 125 months in prison for vehicular homicide on Tuesday, and 14 months for vehicular assault, KIRO Newsradio confirmed.

Gadd’s mother asked for the maximum penalty.

“It’s the only reasonable and fair outcome from this terrible tragedy,” she said.

Gadd’s mother added, “His actions and behavior cannot be overlooked. Allowing him to remain in general society poses a threat to all people of Washington state.”

Man convicted of killing WSP trooper

In early June, Raul Benitez-Santana, 33, was convicted by a Snohomish County jury of killing Gadd. He was found guilty of vehicular assault while under the influence and vehicular homicide, WSP confirmed in a news release.

“The Washington State Patrol would like to thank the people of Washington for their outpouring of support for our fallen Trooper Christopher Gadd, his family, loved ones, and those who served our state and system of justice by serving on the jury of his killer,” the agency wrote in the release.

Washington State Patrol Trooper Christopher Gadd. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

Defense calls for case to be dismissed

Benitez-Santana’s trial was previously postponed as the court looked into a motion concerning the state’s sanctuary laws. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Benitez-Santana is in the U.S. illegally.

Defense attorneys asked the court to dismiss the case over claims prosecutors worked with ICE during the week charges were filed—allegedly violating Washington law.

The defense argued a staffer in the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office asked ICE officials in Seattle to put a detainer on him ahead of a court hearing. They alleged the staffer engaged in “outrageous government misconduct.”

Drew Bostock, the Seattle Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations with ICE, responded, saying, “Immigration detainers are essential in completing a transfer of custody in the safest way possible, and are placed by ERO Seattle to ensure noncitizens are held accountable to federal laws.”

A judge denied the motion to dismiss the case the following week.

Moments leading up to Benitez-Santana killing WSP trooper

Investigators reported Benitez-Santana was driving more than 100 mph when the crash occurred. Prosecutors said he admitted to smoking marijuana and drinking beer before he crashed into Gadd’s patrol vehicle.

Benitez-Santana’s SUV swerved and slammed into the back of Gadd’s vehicle, according to witnesses. It then ricocheted off the patrol vehicle and stopped in the fast lane, where it was hit by a van with six people inside.

Gadd, 27, died in the collision. He is survived by his wife Cammryn and their two-year-old daughter.

“While the verdict does not take away the pain of losing Chris, it does offer a modicum of relief for those who served with and loved this fine young man,” WSP wrote in its release. “Our thoughts and enduring support remain with his widow and young daughter as well as his mother, father, and sister. We will never forget Trooper Chris Gadd.”

This story was originally published on June 4, 2025. It has been updated and republished since then.

Contributing: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio; Frank Sumrall, MyNorthwest

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