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.
https://mynorthwest.com/crime_blotter/wsp-trooper-trial-delayed/4087760