EVERETT, Wash. — The suspect accused of killing a Washington State Patrol Trooper after a crash near Marysville was confirmed to be in the country illegally.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Raul Benitez Santana, 32, of Mexico, entered the U.S. at an unknown date and time without admission or parole by an immigration officer.
Seattle Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) first encountered Santana in Oct. 2013 when he failed to appear in court for driving with a suspended license.
Representatives from ICE said Santana has multiple convictions in the state of Washington:
May 3, 2013: Driving with a suspended license in Lynnwood, $750 fine.May 16, 2013: Marijuana possession of 40 grams or less in Lynnwood, sentenced to 90 days incarceration with 87 days suspended.Oct. 6, 2014: Driving with a suspended license in SeaTac, sentenced to 90 days incarceration with 85 days suspended.May 24, 2019: Domestic violence assault in King County.
An immigration detainer was placed on Benitez Santana on March 4. A detainer is placed on arrested individuals when ICE has probable cause to believe they are removable non-citizens.
Santana is accused of killing WSP Trooper Christopher M. Gadd, 27, of Pasco. He is currently being held in the Snohomish County Jail on a vehicular homicide charge.
