Undocumented immigrant found guilty in high-speed DUI collision that led to the death of Washington state trooper

Jurors in Washington state delivered a guilty verdict against an illegal immigrant accused of killing a state trooper last year. 

Raul Benitez-Santana, aged 33, was convicted of vehicular assault and vehicular homicide related to the tragic death of Washington State Patrol Trooper Christopher Gadd.

Gadd, 27, was killed when his cruiser was hit by a speeding car in March 2024 at more than 100 mph. 

He first came into contact with immigration authorities on October 28, 2013, at the South Correctional Entity in Burien, Washington, following an arrest for not showing up in court due to driving with a suspended license.

He was also sentenced to 90 days behind bars, with 87 of the days suspended, in May 2013, after being convicted of possessing less than 40 grams of marijuana.

On Oct. 6, 2014, Santana was sentenced to 90 days behind bars for driving on a suspended license, and in May 2019, was arrested again for domestic violence assault.

Washington State Patrol Trooper Christopher M. Gadd, 27, served the agency for two and a half years. He is survived by his wife and daughter, his parents, sister and other family members.  (Washington State Patrol)

Fox News Digital has reached out to ICE. 

Fox News Digital’s Greg Wehner and Timothy H.J. Nerozzi contributed to this report.