WSP trooper death trial delayed over claims of ICE involvement

The trial for a man accused of killing a Washington State Patrol trooper has been postponed as the court looks into a motion concerning the state’s sanctuary laws, according to KOMO News.

Defense attorneys, reported the media outlet, asked the court to dismiss the case over claims prosecutors worked with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the week charges were filed—allegedly violating Washington law.

Raul Benitez-Santana is accused of slamming into Christopher Gadd’s patrol vehicle, killing the trooper, in March 2024.

KOMO News stated that defense attorneys allege a Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office employee asked Seattle ICE agents if they could put a detainer on Benitez-Santana ahead of a spring court hearing where he asked for a lower bail.

ICE previously reported Benitez-Santana was in the country illegally and is a citizen of Mexico.

Man admits to smoking, drinking before crashing into WSP trooper

Prosecutors said Benitez-Santana admitted to smoking marijuana and drinking beer before he crashed into Gadd’s vehicle. Gadd was parked on the shoulder of I-5 south near Marysville around 3 a.m.

A witness told deputies the SUV was moving fast, swerved, and then hit the back of Gadd’s vehicle. The SUV then ricocheted off the patrol vehicle and stopped in the fast lane, where it was hit by a van with six people inside.

KOMO News reported the trial was set to start Thursday, but will be delayed until the court makes a decision on the motion.

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