A Mexican national living illegally in the U.S. has been sentenced to over 10 years in prison for the vehicular homicide of Washington State Patrol Trooper Christopher Gadd. Raul Benitez-Santana, 33, was convicted in a Snohomish County courtroom earlier this month and received a sentence of 125 months in prison and 18 months of community custody.
The fatal crash occurred in March 2024 on Interstate 5 near Marysville. Benitez-Santana, under the influence and driving at 107 mph on the shoulder, struck and killed Trooper Gadd, 27, who was conducting a routine traffic stop. Gadd is survived by his wife, Camryn, and their 2-year-old daughter.
In a statement read during sentencing, Gadd’s widow said, “Chris did his job that night. He got one more dangerous driver off the road. He lost his life doing it.” Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste echoed her grief, stating, “Chris was about to go on break and told a peer, ‘I’m going to make one more stop’ — and it ended up being his last.”
Benitez-Santana’s defense sought leniency, citing his role as a father, but Judge Karen Moore rejected the plea. “It’s troubling to hear I should consider the impact on your children,” she said. “What about Trooper Gadd’s child?”
Defense attorneys also attempted to dismiss the case, claiming cooperation between prosecutors and ICE violated Washington’s sanctuary state law. Judge Moore denied the motion, finding no grounds for dismissal. ICE agents were present at the courthouse, and a detainer was issued after Benitez-Santana’s arrest. He faces deportation following his prison sentence.
Benitez-Santana had a lengthy criminal history in Washington, all while unlawfully in the country. His record includes marijuana charges, multiple driving offenses, and a 2017 domestic violence arrest. Despite his conviction, he remained in the U.S. due to sanctuary state protections signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee in 2019.
