MARYSVILLE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – State Patrol troopers are speaking out after the man accused of killing a trooper had his bond amount reduced.

Washington State Trooper Christopher Gadd was tragically killed in a collision while on patrol near Marysville on March 2, 2024.

The man suspected of killing him, 32-year-old Raul Benitez Santana, was booked into Snohomish County Jail on charges of vehicular assault and vehicular homicide involving alcohol or drugs.

His bond amount was recently reduced from $1 million to $100,000, according to the Snohomish County Jail roster.

President of the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association Spike Unruh addressed the recent development in a public letter. He says the association has been “profoundly shaken” by the decision and that it undermines the severity of the charges while putting the public at unnecessary risk.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that Benitez Santana is in the U.S. illegally and has several previous criminal convictions.