Conviction of Illegal Immigrant in Fatal Crash

A judge in Washington has convicted a man, Raul Benitez-Santana, of vehicle assault and vehicle murder in the death of a state police officer.

Benitez-Santana, 33, was involved in a crash that claimed the life of True Parklist Gadd, a 27-year-old officer, in March 2024. Gadd was struck by a vehicle traveling over 100 mph while he was parked on the shoulder of the highway, responding to a separate incident.

Reports indicate that Benitez-Santana was impaired at the time of the crash, having used marijuana before getting behind the wheel. He veered off the road, crashing into the rear of Gadd’s cruiser as the officer monitored a speeding driver in a different vehicle.

Following this incident, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a request to detain Benitez-Santana, who entered the U.S. illegally from Mexico.

His history includes previous encounters with immigration authorities, the first occurring in late 2013 when he was arrested for driving with a suspended license. He faced several other legal issues, including a conviction for domestic violence.

Gadd, who served the Washington State Patrol for two and a half years, is remembered by friends and family, including his wife and daughter, as a dedicated officer. The tragic incident underscores ongoing concerns about road safety and illegal immigration. ICE has been active in capturing individuals wanted for various offenses, highlighting challenges in addressing illegal immigration.