EVERETT — A jury found a man accused of killing a Washington State Patrol officer last year guilty of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault Wednesday.
The 12-person jury reached its decision against 34-year-old Raul Benitez Santana after four hours of deliberation.
The jury also affirmed special verdicts on both counts that Benitez Santana was under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. His sentencing is set for 1 p.m. July 2.
The trial before Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Karen Moore began May 23.
On March 2, 2024, Benitez Santana was involved in a crash that killed 27-year-old Trooper Chris Gadd.
Deputy prosecutors Tobin Darrow and Isaac Wells III presented the case on behalf of the state. Defense attorneys Emily Hancock and Tiffany Mecca represented Benitez Sant